USA (Commonwealth Union)_ Indian-origin figure skater Tara Prasad has recently captured the attention of social media, following a post by Mahindra Group chairperson Anand Mahindra on X. In a heartfelt message shared on X, Mahindra praised the 25-year-old skater for her dedication to representing India, highlighting her decision to renounce her US citizenship in 2019 to pursue her passion for figure skating under the Indian flag. Since that pivotal moment, Prasad has won the Indian national skating championship three times. “Hadn’t heard about Tara Prasad’s accomplishments till a friend recently sent me this clip. Apparently Tara switched her US citizenship to an Indian one in 2019 and has since been our national skating champ three times,” Mahindra said in his post.
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The industrialist also encouraged Prasad as she prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics, adding, “Well done, Tara. I hope you are in the vanguard of athletes who give India a noticeable presence in winter sports… Go chase that dream.” Tara Prasad’s inspiring journey is one of resilience and cultural pride. Born on February 24, 2000, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Prasad’s story is deeply intertwined with both American and Indian heritages. She hails from a Tamil Nadu immigrant family, with her mother, Kavita Ramaswamy, a former national hurdling champion in India. Tara’s father, Sai Prasad, resides with her in the United States, while the rest of her family lives in Chennai, India.
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From a young age, Prasad developed a passion for figure skating, beginning her journey on the ice at just seven years old. Initially, her focus was on enjoying the sport, skating for fun and experiencing the thrill of movement rather than seeking medals. As she progressed, Tara advanced through the ranks of juvenile and novice competitions in the United States, gradually building her skills and confidence. In 2016, Prasad began to seriously consider her future in figure skating, and by 2019, she made the life-changing decision to switch her citizenship from the US to India. This bold move allowed her to represent her ancestral homeland on the international stage, and it was a decision that marked a turning point in her career. Tara’s senior international debut came in 2020 at the Mentor Toruń Cup, marking the start of a new chapter.
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For Tara, the decision to represent India was driven by a deep connection to her roots in Chennai. Despite growing up in the US, the pull of her Indian heritage was strong. “It wasn’t just about changing my citizenship; it was about carrying the spirit of India with me on the ice,” she explained in interviews. Her story resonated with many, especially as winter sports have traditionally received less attention in India, a country known for its passion for cricket. Under the guidance of esteemed coaches, including Stephanie Kuban and Tom Zakrajsek, Prasad honed her skills and learned to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. Her hard work paid off in spectacular fashion. In 2022, 2023, and 2025, she won the Indian national figure skating championship, solidifying her status as one of the top skaters in the country. Her victories did not stop at the national level. Tara also earned silver medals at the 2024 Reykjavik International Games and the 2024 Skate Celje competition, marking her growing influence on the global stage.
Prasad’s journey has not been without challenges. Despite competing in the shadows of more established winter sports like skiing and hockey in India, she has managed to break through and earn recognition. Her performance at the 2022 and 2023 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, where she competed in the final segments, further established her as a force to be reckoned with. In 2025, she finished 16th in the prestigious competition held in Seoul. Tara Prasad’s achievements have not only brought her personal success but have also opened doors for other Indian athletes in the winter sports arena. Her impressive showing at the Asian Winter Games, where she recorded a Technical Element Score of 52.45 and a Program Component Score of 46.72, further cemented her place as one of India’s most promising figure skaters. Tara finished eighth overall at the event, signaling her bright future in the sport.
As she sets her sights on the 2026 Winter Olympics, Tara Prasad continues to inspire others with her dedication and passion for figure skating. Her decision to switch citizenship, while challenging, is a testament to her commitment to her heritage and her determination to make a mark on the global sporting landscape. Today, Tara is not just a talented skater; she is a symbol of change, showing that with hard work and heart, one can redefine the limits of possibility. Tara Prasad’s story is one of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. Through her accomplishments, she is proving that passion, when paired with perseverance, can lead to extraordinary success, paving the way for future generations of Indian athletes in winter sports.
