Nicosia: Cyprus' National Men's Artistic Gymnastics Team finished 13th out of 30 countries at the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, securing, for the first time, qualification for the World Championships, while Olympic medallist Marios Georgiou also qualified for the Horizontal Bar final. According to Cyprus News Agency, this achievement represents a major milestone for Cypriot artistic gymnastics, as the team managed to finish ahead of countries with a long-standing tradition and major achievements in gymnastics, including nations that had secured their place at the previous Olympic Games. 'With passion, focus, determination and team spirit, the Cypriot athletes gave their very best and proved that hard work, perseverance and belief in one's goal can lead Cyprus to the top,' the Federation said. The historic qualification was achieved by Marios Georgiou, Socratis Pilakouris, Neophytos Kyriacou, Georgios Angonas, and Kyriakos Markides. The coaching staff comprised Panayiotis P etridis - National Team Coach, Herodotos Georgallas - Technical Adviser and Coach, Panayiotis Shippis - National Team Coach, and Ioannis Petridis - Coach. The Cyprus Gymnastics Federation extended its warmest congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, judges, members of the scientific support team, and the delegation leader for this achievement. 'Qualification for the World Championships is a vindication of the efforts of an entire team and represents another important step towards the development and recognition of Cypriot artistic gymnastics on the international stage,' the Federation added.