Lausanne (Switzerland), March 20 (QNA) - World Gymnastics announced Friday the cancellation of the 2026 Artistic Gymnastics Apparatus World Cup, which was scheduled to take place in the State of Qatar from April 15 to 18. The decision follows logistical challenges related to delays in the arrival of specialized apparatus and equipment required for the tournament.

Speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), President of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation and First Vice-President of World Gymnastics, Ali Al Hitmi, confirmed that the Qatari federation had submitted an official request to postpone the championship. He noted that the request aimed to ensure the event was held to the highest organizational standards in line with approved international criteria.

He explained that World Gymnastics specialized committees, led by the Competitions Committee and technical committees, held intensive meetings to study the situation. It was determined that postponing the tournament could negatively impact the established international calendar, including continental championships in Africa, Europe, and Asia, as well as the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships scheduled to take place in the Netherlands later this year.

Al Hitmi added that the cancellation decision was made to maintain the integrity of the World Gymnastics calendar and ensure equal opportunities for all participating national federations, expressing his appreciation for the understanding shown by all parties regarding the current circumstances.

Concluding his statement to QNA, Al Hitmi reaffirmed the Qatar Gymnastics Federation's commitment to continuing to host and organize major international championships according to the highest organizational standards, reflecting Qatar's prominent sporting status on the global stage. (QNA)