Phl’s Asian Winter Games bid gets boost

The country’s quest in the Asian Winter Games got a massive boost following the naturalization of Russian figure skater Aleksandr Korovin.

Philippine Skating Union president Nikki Cheng expressed her gratitude to legislators who worked hard for the smooth passage of the Republic Act 12115 that was signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. last Friday.

Cheng said the development is very timely as Korovin, together with his partner Isabella Gamez, has a handsome chance of winning a medal in the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China in February.

Cheng, in particular, thanked the Philippine Olympic Committee headed by Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, whose older brother, Sen. Francis Tolentino, served as the prime mover behind the historic development.

“We’re greatly thankful to the Philippine Olympic Committee, the Tolentino family, Cong. (Faustino) Dy, and all the supporters of this bill in Congress and Senate,” Cheng said in a message to DAILY TRIBUNE.

“The timing of the approval was strategically pursued to ensure the pair’s eligibility to compete in the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China this February.”

“This is a historic opportunity, and we firmly believe that this talented duo has the potential to bring home the country’s first-ever medal in the Asian Winter Games.”

Together with Gamez, Korovin has been representing the country since 2022.

Korovin and Gomez won the country's first-ever pairs medal at an International Skating Union competition — a silver in France in 2022. They were also the first Southeast Asian and Philippines pair to qualify and compete at the prestigious World Figure Skating Championships in 2023 and 2024.

Korovin and Gamez are also the first pair from Southeast Asia and the Philippines to win a spot at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in 2024.

The pair looks forward to excelling in the upcoming Asian Winter Games and qualifying for the Winter Olympics in 2026 in Italy.