In 1988, he won the national championships in the 100 m freestyle, setting a new Soviet record and qualifying for the Olympics. He competed at the 1988 and 1992 Summer Olympics, winning silver medals in the 4 × 100 m freestyle relay on both occasions; in 1988, he also finished fifth in the individual 100 m freestyle. Bashkatov won three medals, including one gold, at the 1989 European Aquatics Championships and 1991 World Aquatics Championships.