Uzbekistan has gained a two-time World Championship medalist in artistic swimming

Uzbekistan has reinforced its roster with a two-time World Artistic Swimming Championships medalist

Russian artistic swimmer Anastasia Bakhtyreva has changed her sporting citizenship and will now compete for the national team of Uzbekistan. Her friend and partner Violetta Evenko has also transferred to the team with her.

The 23-year-old Bakhtyreva is a two-time medalist of the 2025 World Championships in group events. The athlete explained that the decision to move and change her sporting citizenship was due to the fact that her mother works in Uzbekistan.

"My mother moved to Uzbekistan for work and suggested that I fly with her. I, of course, agreed. After that, I called Violetta, proposed it to her, and she agreed, as we are very close friends. And so we flew to Uzbekistan together," Bakhtyreva said.

The athlete also expressed her gratitude to the Russian national team and the coaches she worked with throughout her career.

Now, Bakhtyreva and Evenko will represent Uzbekistan in international competitions. The next major goal for the athletes will be the Asian Games, for which they are already preparing.

Earlier, Uzbek artistic swimmers won two gold medals at the Asian Championships.