ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2024/25 series is set to take place in Tokyo for the 2024 NHK Trophy from 8 to 10 November.
The world medallists, Kagiyama Yuma, Sakamoto Kaori, and Miura Riku/Kihara Ryuichi are the favourites in the men’s, women’s, and pairs events respectively. Sakamoto as well as Miura/Kihara will aim to add to their victories already obtained this season and seal a berth for themselves in the Grand Prix Final.
Kagiyama, the three-time world silver medallist, will be competing in the first of his back-to-back Grand Prix assignments this year. He will face competition from the likes of Italy’s Matteo Rizzo and Japanese teammate Miura Kao.
2022 world bronze medallist Alysa Liu and 2018 Olympic team bronze medallist Bradie Tennell will hope to clinch a medal each. while reigning two-time world champions Madison Chock/Evan Bates are the top contenders in the ice dance.
2024 NHK Trophy: Figure Skating Stars to watch out
Kagiyama Yuma is undisputedly the top contender at the NHK Trophy. Fellow Japanese mate Miura, who finished third at Skate America earlier this season, will eye for another podium finish to boost his chances for the Grand Prix Final qualification.
Other skaters to watch out for at the 2024 NHK Trophy is Rizzo, who’s making his seasonal debut on the Grand Prix circuit.
Veteran Jason Brown, making a return to the Grand Prix series this season for the first time since 2021/22, is also a challenger. Although he finished eighth in his comeback at the Skate Canada International, he could emerge as the dark horse.
Italian Daniel Grassl is also back on the circuit, having won on his last Grand Prix appearance at the 2022/23 MK Wilson Trophy. He, however, missed the 2023/24 season.
In the women’s category, Sakamoto Kaori, Liu, and Tennell are among the top favourites. They might face threats from Chiba Mone, who will be competing in her first Grand Prix of the season.
Two-time Four Continents medallist Kim Yelim of Korea will also aim for a podium finish.
In ice, Miura/Kihara are the home favourties for the trophy. European silver medallists Anastasiia Metelkina/Luka Berulava, representing Georgia, look to upgrade from a fourth-place finish at Skate America to make it onto the podium and boost their chances for Grand Prix Final qualification.
Germany’s Annika Hocke/Robert Kunkel, who won Skate America last season, and Ellie Kam/Danny O’Shea of USA, this year’s Skate America silver medallists, will also fancy their chances for podium finish.
In the ice dance segment, Chock/Bates are most likely to finish on top. Four Continents bronze medallists Christina Carreira/Anthony Ponomarenko, 2022 Four Continents champions Caroline Green/Michael Parsons, and European bronze medallists Allison Reed/Saulius Ambrulevicius will battle out for the second and third places in all likelihood.
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2024 NHK Trophy: Schedule
All times local Japan Standard Time (JST)
Friday, 8 November
- 12:35–13:54: Ice dance rhythm dance
- 14:35–15:41: Pairs short program
- 16:10–17:40: Men’s short program
- 18:00–18:30: Opening ceremony
- 19:00–20:30: Women’s short program
Saturday, 9 November
- 12:00–13:33: Ice dance free dance
- 14:00–15:18: Pairs free skating, followed by victory ceremony pairs and ice dance
- 16:35–18:25: Men’s free skating, followed by victory ceremony men
- 19:30–21:20: Women’s free skating, followed by victory ceremony women
Sunday, 10 November
- 13:05–15:00: Exhibition gala
