With excitement, teamwork, and a rising generation of athletes, Paraguay is positioning itself as an outstanding host for ASU2025.
Rhythmic gymnastic recently experienced an intense series of competitions during the Pan American Test Event—an essential step on the road to the II Junior Pan American Games ASU2025. In this context, the President of the Paraguayan Gymnastics Federation, Paula Espínola, shared insights about the process of becoming a host and the emotion of seeing local athletes compete at home.
“The path to becoming a host begins well in advance: the application is submitted a year before, during the Pan American Assemblies,” explained Espínola. Once the host status is confirmed, preparations intensify: “It’s three months of intense work, coordinating with delegations, confirming participants, and activating the full team—from the Federation and now also with the support of the ASU2025 Organizing Committee.”
Beyond the logistics, Espínola highlighted the unique emotional impact of hosting: “It’s a very powerful experience. Seeing our girls compete on home soil, in a format that’s new for us, is deeply moving. We know this path takes years, and seeing them on the mat already fills us with pride.”
The president also reflected on the discipline’s evolution in the country: “Six years ago, when I took office, we were practically starting from scratch—especially in rhythmic gymnastics. Today, we’ve won South American medals and built a team of athletes and coaches committed to the process.”
Paraguay has already confirmed its representatives: Ana Carolina De Conto in rhythmic gymnastics and Ana Mendieta in artistic gymnastics. Both athletes are currently undergoing technical and physical preparation to represent the country at one of the most important events in the youth Olympic cycle.
“We’re thrilled with the progress and the opportunities ahead. This new phase is a reward for the effort of an entire team that never stopped believing,” Espínola concluded.
With the Games fast approaching in August, Paraguay continues its preparations to establish itself as both a host and a growing sports nation. Events like this not only strengthen sports such as gymnastics—they also generate visibility, inspire new generations, and reflect the steady growth of a society increasingly committed to sport.
