The figure skating duo Karina Akopova and Nikita Rakhmanin, who have changed their sporting nationality, will represent Armenia for the first time in August. This was confirmed by the president of the Armenian Figure Skating Federation, Melanya Stepanyan, according to Metaratings.ru.

“Their first appearance will be at the end of August in the U.S. as part of the ISU Challenger Series. From there, they’ll head to Beijing for the Olympic qualification tournament. Based on all criteria, they’ll be eligible for the Olympic Games post-nationality switch, provided they pass the qualifying round. The key is for them to gain points to compete in Milan,” Stepanyan stated.

On May 15, it was officially announced that Karina Akopova and Nikita Rakhmanin will compete under Armenia’s flag.

Their transfer was officially approved by the Executive Committee of the Russian Figure Skating Federation. They are previous winners of the 2021 Budapest Trophy and the 2021 Denis Ten Memorial Challenge.