Figure skater Karina Akopova, representing Armenia, commented on her participation in the qualifying round of the figure skating competition at the Milan Winter Olympics with her program, “Artsakh,” named after Ara Gevorgyan.
“The impressions are excellent. We’re glad we were able to perform this routine,” said Karina Akopova.
The pair of Karina Akopova and Nikita Rakhmani finished 12th, clearing the qualification round barrier. The pair, representing Armenia and participating in their first Olympic Games, secured a spot in the free skate, which will take place on February 16.
The top 16 pairs advanced to the qualifying round for the Olympic short program.
It’s worth noting that Azerbaijan filed a complaint with the IOC regarding the name “Artsakh” in the Armenian Olympic pair’s short program. The International Olympic Committee upheld the appeal and changed the program title in the official list to indicate Ara Gevorgyan’s composition.
Despite Azerbaijan’s efforts, “Artsakh” was performed at the Milan Ice Arena, but was presented as “Ara Gevorgyan’s composition.”