TASHKENT, Uzbekistan – AN Podrobno.uz. Russian synchronized swimmer Anastasia Bakhtyreva has changed her sporting citizenship and will now compete for the Uzbekistan national team. She is joined by her close friend and partner Violetta Evenko.

The 23-year-old Bakhtyreva is a two-time medalist at the 2025 World Championships in group events. The athlete said her decision to move and change sporting citizenship was due to her mother's work in Uzbekistan. "My mother moved to Uzbekistan for work and suggested I come with her. Of course, I agreed. After that, I called Violetta, offered her the same, and she agreed because we are very close friends. So we flew to Uzbekistan together," Bakhtyreva said.

She also thanked the Russian national team and the coaches she had worked with throughout her career. This move marks a new chapter in her athletic journey.

Bakhtyreva and Evenko will now represent Uzbekistan in international competitions. Their immediate major goal is the Asian Games, for which they are already preparing. Their addition is expected to strengthen the national synchronized swimming team.

Earlier, Uzbek synchronized swimmers won two gold medals at the Asian Championships. The arrival of these accomplished athletes could boost the team's competitiveness on the Asian and global stage.

Source: podrobno.uz