Artsakh at the Olympics: Armenian Pair to Perform to Iconic Ara Gevorgyan Composition

The Armenian figure skating pair Karina Akopova / Nikita Rakhmanin will compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, skating their short program to “Artsakh” by Ara Gevorgyan.

It was with this very program that they earned the right to represent Armenia, securing silver medals at the ISU To Milano qualifying tournament in Beijing. They chose not to change anything: “Artsakh” is more than music — it's a powerful cultural statement. Fans say there will be “goosebumps on Armenian skin” on February 15, when the pair takes the Olympic ice for their debut under the Armenian flag.

Silver in Beijing — Ticket to Milan

At the qualifying tournament, the pair delivered a remarkable performance:

Final Standings (Pairs Figure Skating):

1. China – Jiasuán Zhang / Yihan Huang – 191.52

2. Armenia – Karina Akopova / Nikita Rakhmanin – 186.84

3. Japan – Yuna Nagato / Sumitada Moriguchi – 178.66

This is a historic milestone for Armenia, which had previously secured Olympic quota spots in pair skating only twice — in 1998 and 2002.

New Faces, New Flag

Karina Akopova and Nikita Rakhmanin, who previously represented Russia, switched sporting citizenship in the summer of 2025 and now officially represent Armenia. In Milan, they will be flagbearers for the Armenian delegation and two of five Armenian athletes competing at the Games.

Their program choice is both an artistic statement and a national gesture, highlighting the deep connection between sport, art, and history.

Olympic date for Armenian fans: February 15.

Schedule of Armenian athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics.