It is always a pleasure to report on people’s achievements and to congratulate those who have earned them. Although the World Masters Games took place last year, we are delighted to revisit the event and celebrate the success of the ballroom dance couples coached by Timur Mullayanov – as well as Timur’s own outstanding performance with his partner. First, a little background.
The World Masters Games, held every four years for athletes aged 35 and over, were staged last year in Taiwan, in the capital city of Taipei. Many readers will recall that the Games were hosted by Auckland in 2017, an event we covered extensively at the time. That year, Auckland-based competitors achieved excellent results, including a gold medal for Boris Prokofyev and a bronze medal for Marina Pechorina in their respective sports and age categories.
In 2025, the Games featured an expanded programme that included several new sports, among them ballroom dancing. New Zealand was well represented, including in this discipline. The couples trained by well-known Auckland coach Timur Mullayanov competed in the “Seniors 2, Standard” category, covering the 40–50 and 60+ age groups.
Timur Mullayanov is also a “competing coach”, continuing to perform at a high level while training others. We have featured him more than once in Our Harbour. At the Taipei Games, he competed with his partner, Anny Yip, in the “Seniors 1, Standard” category (35+). They finished in the final Top 5, an excellent result at this level. We warmly congratulate Timur Mullayanov and Anny Yip (pictured) on their success.
As a coach, Timur also has much to be proud of. The results achieved by his students were truly impressive. In the “Seniors 2, Standard” category (ages 40–50), the couple Lewis Callaghan and Bing Zhang won two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze.
Another couple trained by Timur, Michael and Astrid, competed in the 60+ age category and finished in the Top 24. This was a particularly strong field, with even a former World Masters Champion taking part.
Congratulations to all involved — and special recognition to Timur Mullayanov, who not only prepared his couples so successfully, but also delivered an excellent performance himself along with his partner. A remarkable achievement and well deserved applause.
P.S. Facts about the Taipei Games:
107 countries took part, with around 25,000 athletes competing across 34 sports. Russia participated under neutral status in most disciplines, while New Zealand also fielded a strong and sizeable team. Veteran athletes from both countries recorded notable success.
Translated by Lena Naumova