Rozaliya Nazmutdinova-Ratmanskaya and Ilmira Nazmutdinova talk about the unique features of modern rhythmic gymnastics

At the All-Russian Hopes of Russia competition, Rozaliya Nazmutdinova-Ratmanskaya and Ilmira Nazmutdinova were honorary guests at the awards ceremony.

The USSR Masters of Sports continue the sporting traditions established in Yekaterinburg by the first USSR Honored Coach in rhythmic gymnastics, Elizaveta Oblygina. Rozaliya talked about it:

"The first USSR’s Honored Coach was Elizaveta Oblygina, under whom we all honed our skills. Lilya started, then me, then Alya, then Mira."

Her sister added that their sister, Liliya, was also involved in rhythmic gymnastics at that time:

"Lilya started training in 1946, when she was already ten years old. Even today, yes, ten-year-old gymnasts perform such miracles with apparatus. Before, they were just starting out."

Ilmira also praised the work of the Sky Grace International Association:

"Alina Maratovna is great in that she has connections with other countries and holds Sky Grace competitions in other countries. We recently watched on television that there were competitions in China. The level of gymnastics has certainly improved. What they did before, like Alina Kabaeva, Natalia Lipkovskaya, Irina Chashchina. Back then, they did very complicated elements. And maybe even now, some people can't even perform the elements they do. But gymnastics has advanced so much now, even far beyond that level. And the most interesting thing is, despite the fact that they perform such complex elements, many of them are artistic, and it's interesting to watch them. Their compositions are so original, their choreography is wonderful, the musical accompaniment is superb. And the competitions themselves? The opening ceremonies, the gala concerts, they're absolutely wonderful! And I see that Alina Kabaeva now invites not only gymnasts to competitions, but also dancers, ballet dancers, and a Russian folk choir. It's interesting, it's captivating, and I think for those spectators from other countries, they will gradually, not right now, of course, learn from this experience. And this experience is wonderful, of course. Friendship between countries is essential. Communication with gymnasts from abroad."

Their sister, Liliya Nazmutdinova, was featured in the Veterans of Rhythmic Gymnastics column.