Alina Kabaeva and coach Irina Gusarova watch Maria Borisova's final performance in the all-around at the Sky Grace Cup

Vibrant performances and a parade of flags — that's how the opening ceremony of the 2026 SCO Open Cup took place in Moscow.

Watch as Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva helps the junior group gymnasts, from the Russian National team and the Academy, refine their ribbon-tossing exchanges during a practice session at the SCO Open Cup.

During floor testing for the SCO Open Cup, Alina Kabaeva reminded the athletes of the importance of staying calm and analyzing their own actions.

The gymnast is trying her hand in the Academy's group exercise.

During floor testing ahead of the SCO Open Cup, Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva offered guidance to the Russian National team’s and the Academy’s group gymnasts, and spoke with judges and coaches.

During the finals of the Cup of the Strongest, Alina Kabaeva helped Milena Shchenyatskaya get into the right mindset for her ribbon routine, spoke with Sofia Ilteryakova, and congratulated the gymnasts on their successful performances. The Olympic champion also met Daria Shkurikhina, the trainee of coach Lyaisan Savitskaya. Meanwhile, choreographer Veronika Shatkova, under whose guidance Alina Kabaeva trained, prepared a special gift for her — a medal!

The junior group gymnasts from the Russian National team and the Academy unveiled two brand-new routines — one with balls and one with ribbons — at the Cup of the Strongest finals. The gymnasts shared which routine they particularly enjoy, what their preparation process was like, and how much work still lies ahead.

Following her performances at the Cup of the Strongest final, Yana Zaikina from Volgograd approached Alina Kabaeva to thank her for her guidance and support. The gymnast presented the Olympic champion with a teddy bear and a surprise-filled gift box. Alina Maratovna also received a sweet greeting from Vera, the daughter of Lyubov Cherkashina, Belarusian National team Head coach. We’re sharing these heartwarming moments with you!

Watch how Alina Kabaeva coached Mariia Borisova from St. Petersburg before her ribbon routine at the Cup of the Strongest final! After the performance, the Olympic champion noted the gymnast’s progress and how much more confident she has become. Masha and her coach, Irina Gusarova, thanked Alina Kabaeva for her support!

During the Cup of the Strongest final, Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva helped Ksenia Savinova from Gatchina refine a leg-toss risk. Did Ksyusha manage to pull off the risk at the most critical moment during her performance? Watch the video to find out!

The Cup of the Strongest final is more than just a battle for medals, it’s also a chance for young gymnasts to meet their idols. At Luzhniki, dozens of children were waiting for Alina Kabaeva, hoping to get an autograph and take a picture with her.

Medical staff and coaches assisted her on the training mat, with Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva by her side the entire time.

Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva spoke with the junior group gymnasts from the Russian National team and the Academy, as well as their coach Daria Pirogova, choreographer Veronika Shatkova, and choreographer Victoria Borodina.

Members of the Russian junior National group team and the Academy, together with their coach Darya Pirogova, extended belated wishes to the Olympic champion for National Coaches’ Day.

The champions and medalists in the senior all-around competition discussed their work on consistency, introduced new team members, and talked about the support they received from fans. The gymnasts from Omsk also recalled how the 2026 Alina Festival in India served as a true «reboot» for them before returning to their training regimen.