🏒 A new сhapter for international talent: HC Torpedo prospect Itai Golan becomes a Russian Citizen! A landmark moment extending far beyond the world of sport took place ahead of Nizhny Novgorod’s home game. Governor Gleb Nikitin and Regional Chief of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Yuri Arsentyev personally presented Itai Golan with his long-awaited Russian passport. The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Chairman of the Regional Government Dmitry Starostin and Jakob Pinneker, CEO of the OKA Agency. ⚡️Itai’s story demonstrates that talented people from around the world see Russia as a place to build their future. A Hungarian citizen born in Switzerland with playing experience in the United States, Itay made a conscious decision to settle in Russia and chose the Nizhny Novgorod Region as the foundation for his professional career. Having already mastered the Russian language and become an integral part of the team, Itai can now continue playing for Chaika in the Youth Hockey League (MHL) without the restrictions applicable to foreign players. 💬 “We particularly value cases in which highly sought-after international professionals choose Russia not simply as a temporary workplace, but as their new, permanent home,” Governor Gleb Nikitin noted. “We see considerable potential in Itai, and the Regional Government has done everything possible to remove administrative barriers to his development.” The OKA Agency played a key coordinating role throughout the process, ensuring seamless cooperation between the hockey club, the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ migration authorities, and the Regional Government. This coordinated effort and strong legal framework laid the groundwork for the Governor’s formal petition to the President of Russia. The outcome was the signing of Presidential Decree No. 748, granting Itai Russian citizenship through an expedited procedure. 📌For the OKA Agency, Itai’s story reflects our broader mission: building bridges between the region and the international community. We help talented professionals, athletes, and specialists navigate every stage of relocation, from their initial application to full integration into their new home. Our results speak for themselves: more than 1,500 applications received and over 110 international residents who have already made the Nizhny Novgorod Region their home. Welcome home, Itai! Here’s to new victories and the Kharlamov Cup! 🏆🇷🇺 ✔Subscribe to the OKA Agency: We make you fall in love with Nizhny Novgorod More information on our website! Follow us on: 📱 Instagram* 📱 X 📱 YouTube 📱 TikTok *Owned by Meta, recognized as extremist and banned in the Russian Federation #WeAreOka