OKA AGENCY

🏒 A new chapter begins: Torpedo prospect Itai Golan becomes a Russian Citizen

Yesterday, we shared some exciting news: Itai Golan, a promising forward in HC Torpedo’s development system, has officially become a citizen of the Russian Federation.

His story is remarkable in the world of professional sport. Unlike many foreign players who obtain Russian citizenship towards the end of their careers, 19-year-old Itai — born in Switzerland and with experience playing in the United States — has consciously chosen Russia and the Nizhny Novgorod Region as the place to build his professional future.

Behind every official document and presidential decree is a personal story. Following the passport presentation ceremony, we had the opportunity to speak with Itai about his first impressions of becoming a Russian citizen, his ambitions for the future and why Nizhny Novgorod has become a place he can truly call home.

🎥 Watch our exclusive interview with Itai in this video!

His new citizenship status removes the restrictions applicable to foreign players, opening the door to competing in Russia’s Junior Hockey League (MHL). Very soon, Itai will take to the ice representing Nizhny Novgorod’s HC Chaika.

Itai’s journey demonstrates that Russia offers opportunities to those ready to pursue their ambitions and build a future here.

Interested in professional opportunities, business development or a fresh start in Russia? Submit an enquiry through our website. The OKA Agency team will answer your questions and help you plan your move.

🏒 And if you want to experience the excitement firsthand, come support Itai and HC Chaika! Join us in the stands if you’re in Nizhny Novgorod, or follow the action through the team’s live broadcasts from wherever you are!

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🏒 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! 🏆🇷🇺

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How do different cultures find common ground in Russia? 👋

Russia recently celebrated National Unity Day — an occasion that offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how cultures, traditions, and personal histories from across the world come together in this country. Behind this broader story are the individual journeys of people who have chosen Russia as their new home.

One such story is that of Blake Shearing, who recently relocated from Canada to the Nizhny Novgorod Region with the support of the OKA Agency.

A new language, an unfamiliar environment, and everyday challenges that require a different approach — relocating to another country takes time, patience, and adaptation. For Blake, one of the most memorable aspects of his first days in Russia was the openness and warmth of the local community. He was particularly struck by how readily people in Russia offer help to one another, including those who are just beginning to find their footing in a new country.

🎥 In this video, Blake shares the experiences that made the strongest impression on him and recalls the moments when he felt this support firsthand. Discover the Nizhny Novgorod Region through the eyes of someone who has only recently arrived to make it his home.

Through our work with international newcomers, we understand how many questions and uncertainties come with discovering a new culture. The kindness and willingness of local people to help may not eliminate every challenge of relocation, but they offer something equally important: the reassurance that you do not have to navigate this journey alone. It is this sense of trust and human connection that lays the foundation for feeling at home in a new place.

A warm welcome to the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Blake! 🇷🇺

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