Gymnast Ashish Kumar wins bronze at Pharaoh’s Cup in floor exercise

Ashish's score for qualifying was 12.85, while during the final he made a small mistake on the Japanese handstand earning a penalty of 0.3. In the finals, his score was 12.80.

"Winning at the age of 33 and on comeback is very satisfying. It has boosted my morale," gymnast Ashish Kumar said moments after picking the medal.

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Gymnast Ashish Kumar, 33, returned to a competition podium after 9 years, when on Sunday he claimed a bronze medal in the Floor Exercise at Cairo’s FIG International Pharaoh’s Cup.

Ashish’s score for qualifying was 12.85, while during the final he made a small mistake on the Japanese handstand earning a penalty of 0.3. In the finals, his score was 12.80.

“Winning at the age of 33 and on comeback is very satisfying. It has boosted my morale,” he said moments after picking the medal.

Gymnast #AshishKumar returned to a competition podium after nine years, when on Sunday he claimed a bronze medal in the Floor Exercise at Cairo’s FIG International Pharaoh’s Cup, reports Shivani Naik pic.twitter.com/yrQUr9v3Ws

— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) August 20, 2023

“There was tension and pressure going into the final as three of the gymnasts were recent Olympians. But I gave a good fight on the floor exercise, and was happy with my set. Since I was coming back after a long gap and given all the setbacks, I had to dig deep to control my anxiety. I’m glad I could medal today, and if not for a small mistake it could’ve been a silver,” the 2010 Commonwealth and Asian Games medallist said.

While his best performances came back in 2010, Ashish's recent career had been stuttering due to injuries. pic.twitter.com/YbC9aPaX7o

— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) August 20, 2023

His floor routine comprised a Forward 360 to front double, followed by a front tuck 360 to forward 720. That was followed by a round of Arabian double, and the Japanese handstand on which he erred. The line proceeded to a round of back 540 moving to a front half turn and back straight body. It ended with a dismount round of 900.

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While his best performances came back in 2010, Ashish’s recent career had been stuttering due to injuries. “The biggest challenge was all the injuries I’ve had in these years. I was happy I could overcome those,” he said.

“It was tough to find people who believed in me and supported me. It was only coaches, family, my wife and children. Their support helped me overcome all the negativity,” he added.