Chinese troupe wins Grand Prix at Budapest International Circus Festival

Members of the China National Acrobatic Troupe perform a hoop-diving act during the gala show of the 16th Budapest International Circus Festival in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 12, 2026. The China National Acrobatic Troupe claimed the Grand Prix at the Budapest International Circus Festival. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)

BUDAPEST, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- The China National Acrobatic Troupe claimed the Grand Prix at the Budapest International Circus Festival, which concluded late Monday with a gala performance marking the 30th anniversary of the event since its launch in 1996.

The Chinese troupe received the festival's highest honor for its hoop-diving act, which was praised by the international jury for its technical precision, artistic expression and innovative choreography.

At the biennial festival, three gold prizes were awarded. Flying Tabares from Argentina and the United States won gold for flying trapeze, Ukrainian artist Kateryna Kornieva received gold for swing pole, while the Martinez Brothers of Colombia and Japan claimed gold for Icarian Games.

Silver prizes were awarded to acts from Israel, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Italy. Bronze prizes went to performers from Italy, France and Switzerland, Russia, and Canada.

Budapest International Circus Festival is widely regarded as one of the world's most prestigious professional circus competitions. ■

Members of the China National Acrobatic Troupe perform a hoop-diving act during the gala show of the 16th Budapest International Circus Festival in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 12, 2026. The China National Acrobatic Troupe claimed the Grand Prix at the Budapest International Circus Festival. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)

Members of the China National Acrobatic Troupe celebrate after winning the Grand Prix of the 16th Budapest International Circus Festival in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 12, 2026. The China National Acrobatic Troupe claimed the Grand Prix at the Budapest International Circus Festival. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)

Members of the China National Acrobatic Troupe perform a hoop-diving act during the gala show of the 16th Budapest International Circus Festival in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 12, 2026. The China National Acrobatic Troupe claimed the Grand Prix at the Budapest International Circus Festival. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)

Members of the China National Acrobatic Troupe perform a hoop-diving act during the gala show of the 16th Budapest International Circus Festival in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 12, 2026. The China National Acrobatic Troupe claimed the Grand Prix at the Budapest International Circus Festival. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)

Members of the China National Acrobatic Troupe perform a hoop-diving act during the gala show of the 16th Budapest International Circus Festival in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 12, 2026. The China National Acrobatic Troupe claimed the Grand Prix at the Budapest International Circus Festival. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)

Members of the China National Acrobatic Troupe perform a hoop-diving act during the gala show of the 16th Budapest International Circus Festival in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 12, 2026. The China National Acrobatic Troupe claimed the Grand Prix at the Budapest International Circus Festival. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)