I think there was some connection with her dad. Maybe he played for a hockey team they sponsored? I vaguely remember some interview I read (via Google translate) where he talked about how tough things were when Alina first went to Moscow. Staying with friends and two hour commutes on unreliable public transportation to and from the rink. He said that he approached Tatneft and asked for their help and they 'hadn't forgotten him'.
i don't know what exactly Tatneft provides but I'm pretty sure they got the much maligned (in the Japanese media) apartment for Alina and her grandmother close to the rink.
If that's the case it's wonderful they were willing to help our her dad at the beginning. Certainly they were under no obligation to, could have had very little expectation of any return on their investment, and her dad was not a star in the hockey world.
I wonder what she means by that, it sounds exciting! I can't wait!
:medal"

She interpreted so many different characters, and was so good at it, it's insane. From now on, I hope that we will see Alina Zagitova on the ice, showing her own emotions and feelings, I think she is ready for this big step, towards the definition of her own style. 
