By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippine Skating Union (PHSU) is confident that the addition of Russian figure skater Aleksandr Korovin would be a big boost to the country’s campaign in the Asian Winter Games.
That, after Korovin was officially granted Filipino citizenship when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the Republic Act 12115 on Dec. 20 which gives the Russian athlete all the rights, privileges, prerogatives, duties, and obligations of being a Filipino citizen.
It also allows him to compete under the Philippines flag along with Filipina partner Isabella Gamez as they are expected to participate in the Asian Winter Games set in Harbin, China in February next year.
The signing gave PHSU a ray of hope especially for its president Nikki Cheng.
“The timing of this approval was strategically pursued to ensure the pair’s eligibility to compete at the upcoming Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, this February 2025,” said Cheng.
“This is a historic opportunity, and we firmly believe that this talented duo has the potential to bring home the Philippines’ first-ever medal in the Asian Winter Games,” she added.
Cheng, a seasoned skater herself, also thanked the national and local officials for making Korovin’s eligibility possible.
“We’re greatly thankful to the Philippine Olympic Committee, the Tolentino family, Cong. Dy, and all the supporters of this bill in Congress and Senate,” she concluded.
Korovin and Gamez have been skating partners since 2021, winning local and international tournaments. They also made history after qualifying on multiple big stages including the World Figure Skating Championships.
The two skaters gun for a podium finish in the competition which started way back 1986 in Sapporo, Japan.
Korovin must do an Oath of Allegiance in front of an authorized officer who will promulgate the ceremony.
Earlier this year, the former Russian national team member vowed to give his all in order to represent and bring pride and honor to the country.
