The Lebanese capital, specifically the Nihad Nofal Complex in Zouk Mikael, is authorized to host the competitions of the eighth edition of the “Cali-Battles” championship for the sport of “calistanitics”, today, Sunday, under the patronage of the President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, and with the participation of athletes representing more than 30 countries.
The tournament represents a unique opportunity for the public to learn closely about this sport, which relies on exploiting body weight and fixed bars to present performances that test strength, control, and balance. In contrast to traditional exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups and squats, participants compete in performing advanced movements that include holding the body horizontally in the air, rotating around the bar, and combining multiple movements smoothly.
The performances are subject to precise judging criteria that evaluate the performance according to five main axes, including: static movements, dynamic movements, strength, coherence of the show, and its flow.
At the national level, hosting the event under the current circumstances is of great importance, as it contributes to stimulating tourism activity through a program prepared by the organizers for participating foreign delegations, as well as allowing the public to learn about a sport characterized by its low operational cost. The tournament also provides an important opportunity for Lebanese athletes to interact with international competitors and learn about international levels of performance and judging.
It is noteworthy that the “Cali-Battles” tournament was launched in Lebanon in 2019 and has reached its eighth edition today. Its continued impact depends on the extent of the response of clubs, schools and municipalities by providing safe training spaces for young people, with the opportunities they provide to encourage the practice of sports and develop the paths of local talent towards competition.
