Tara Prasad: The Skating Sensation Who Chose India Over the US

Tara Prasad, an Indian-American figure skater, has been making waves in the world of winter sports with her stunning performances and unwavering dedication. Recently, she caught the attention of billionaire industrialist Anand Mahindra, who lauded her exceptional talent and perseverance.

At the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships 2025 in Seoul, Tara’s breathtaking routine mesmerized audiences and reaffirmed her position as one of India’s most promising winter sports athletes. As a three-time national champion, she has become a symbol of determination and excellence, inspiring young athletes across India and beyond.

A Bold Decision: Embracing Indian Citizenship

Tara’s journey to representing India in international figure skating was anything but ordinary. Born and raised in the United States, she had the opportunity to compete under the American flag. However, in 2019, she made a life-changing decision to renounce her U.S. citizenship and represent India in the sport she loves.

This was a bold and emotional choice, as it meant taking on the responsibility of elevating India’s presence in figure skating—a sport where India has had little representation on the global stage. Since her switch, Tara has proudly donned India’s colors, clinching national championship titles in 2022, 2023, and 2025.

Her decision to compete for India has been met with both admiration and challenges. While many have celebrated her move as a step toward promoting winter sports in the country, she has also faced criticism and hurdles, including limited training resources and funding compared to her counterparts from winter sports powerhouses.

Anand Mahindra’s Commendation and Support

Anand Mahindra, known for his keen interest in supporting emerging talents, recently expressed his admiration for Tara’s journey. Taking to social media, he shared a video of her electrifying performance at the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships and praised her resilience and dedication.

Mahindra highlighted her sacrifice in choosing to compete for India over the U.S. and acknowledged her struggles in securing a spot in the previous Winter Olympics. He also extended his support for her Olympic dream, expressing hope that she would make history for India at the 2026 Winter Games.

His recognition has brought Tara into the limelight, sparking discussions on the need for better infrastructure and support for winter sports in India. While the country has excelled in cricket and other mainstream sports, figure skating and other winter disciplines remain underdeveloped, lacking adequate training facilities and sponsorships.

Overcoming Challenges and Online Harassment

Despite her achievements and hard work, Tara has faced intense online harassment, including disturbing death threats. Her decision to compete for India has drawn criticism from certain sections, with some questioning her patriotism and motives.

However, she remains undeterred, using her platform to advocate for greater representation of Indian athletes in winter sports. In interviews, she has spoken openly about the challenges she has faced, emphasizing her deep-rooted love for India and her commitment to the sport.

Tara has also highlighted the need for India to invest in winter sports infrastructure and provide young athletes with the necessary resources to compete on the global stage. Her resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to many, proving that true champions rise above challenges and negativity.

Eyes Set on the 2026 Winter Olympics

Tara Prasad’s journey is far from over. With her sights firmly set on the 2026 Winter Olympics, she continues to train rigorously, determined to put India on the map in figure skating.

Her dedication, combined with the recent support from influential figures like Anand Mahindra, could pave the way for greater recognition and investment in Indian winter sports. As she prepares for the next chapter in her career, Tara remains a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes, proving that with determination and courage, anything is possible.

Her story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of following one’s dreams—no matter the obstacles.