Well-known Russian artistic swimmers Anastasia Bakhtireva and Violetta Evenko are now competing as part of the Uzbekistan national team. This was reported by the press service of the 'Uzbekistan Aquatics' Federation.
These athletes are preparing for the Asian Games by training together with the Uzbekistan national team. World Aquatics supported the athletes' desire to continue their activities as part of the Uzbekistan national team and approved the change of their sporting citizenship in the established procedure.
Currently, Bakhtireva and Evenko are training with the Uzbekistan national team, preparing to represent the country in the 'women's duet' discipline. Sabina Mahmudova, a member of the Uzbekistan national team, is included in the duet's reserve squad.
Anastasia Bakhtireva holds titles as a three-time European champion, two-time World Series champion, and friendly games champion. Additionally, she won two silver medals at the 2025 World Championships.
Violetta Evenko is a three-time junior world champion and has also won at European Championships and World Series competitions.
The team is preparing under the guidance of coach Yulia Miteva, who has 19 years of experience in elite sports. Among her pupils are winners of World and European Championships, as well as an Olympic champion.
One of the nearest major competitions for the new pair will be the Asian Games, which will take place in Aichi-Nagoya.
