(March 14, 2025) “Tara, you are the pride of India on ice. Your journey inspires us all — especially your bold decision to give up your US citizenship to follow your heart.” Anand Mahindra’s tweet wasn’t just a shout-out; it was a call to notice a young skater making a daring choice in a nation obsessed with cricket. His tweet shined a light on Tara Prasad, a young figure skater who made a bold decision to renounce her US citizenship to follow her heart and represent India on the international stage. In a country obsessed with cricket, this fresh, inspiring story sparked curiosity and pride among millions.
Early Days: Falling and Getting Up
Tara’s story began on the ice rinks of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She started figure skating when she was just seven years old. She remembers it simply and fondly, “I started figure skating at the age of seven while in the US. I don’t really remember how I started. I just remember that I liked it. So, I kept at it. I think I have a picture of me and my dad skating on ice, but I don’t know if that was the first time I got on the ice or not.”
Those early days were all about fun, laughter, and the many falls that taught her to get back up again. It wasn’t about medals or trophies back then—it was just about enjoying the glide and the thrill of movement on ice.
From Local Competitions to the Global Stage
For many years, Tara competed domestically in the United States. She raced through the juvenile and novice levels until 2016, building her skills and confidence one practice at a time. Then, driven by a deep connection to her Indian heritage, she made a pivotal decision. In 2019, Tara embraced her Indian citizenship and set her sights on representing India internationally. Her senior international debut for India came in 2020 at the Mentor Toruń Cup—a moment that marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
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Choosing a New Path: Embracing Indian Roots
Growing up in the United States, Tara’s life was a beautiful blend of two worlds. While she honed her skills on American rinks, her roots in Chennai, India, whispered a different story — a story of heritage and belonging. In 2019, when Tara made the life-changing decision to embrace her Indian citizenship, she wasn’t just switching a passport; she was choosing to carry the colours and spirit of India on the international stage.
This wasn’t an easy decision by any means. Giving up the comfort and familiarity of the US was a bold step, but Tara wanted to carry the spirit of her heritage on the ice. Anand Mahindra’s tweet highlighted that very choice, and in doing so, brought her story into the limelight. In a country where cricket often gets all the attention, his words made many Indians take notice of a young skater who was daring to be different.
Hadn’t heard about Tara Prasad’s accomplishments till a friend recently sent me this clip.
Apparently Tara switched her U.S citizenship to an Indian one in 2019 and has since been our national skating champ three times.
Well done, Tara. I hope you are in the vanguard of… pic.twitter.com/GK4iL4VrVh
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) March 11, 2025
Bringing India to the Rink
Every time Tara steps onto the ice, she brings a piece of India with her. “I decorate my dresses for competitions myself. My jewellery, accessories and the stones I put on my dresses are stuff I got from fabric shops in India. I also have real gold jewellery from India for my long programme,” she shared in an interview.
For Tara, it’s not just about skating; it’s about celebrating her heritage. Each costume she wears and every detail she adds tells a story of India—a story that is colourful, vibrant, and full of life. It’s her way of saying that even in a sport as chilly as figure skating, the warmth of home can always shine through.
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Overcoming Challenges on the Ice
Tara’s journey has not been a smooth glide. There have been many challenges along the way—from the struggles of learning new techniques to the setbacks in competitions. But every fall has made her stronger and more determined. Under the guidance of her coaches, like Stephanie Kuban and Tom Zakrajsek, she learned that every mistake was a chance to improve.
Her hard work paid off. Tara became a three-time Indian national champion, winning titles in 2022, 2023, and 2025. She also earned international silver medals at the 2024 Reykjavik International Games and the 2024 Skate Celje. Each victory on the ice is not just a personal win, but a step forward for Indian figure skating, proving that passion can break barriers.
A Dream to Reach the Olympics
Despite all her achievements, Tara remains humble and real. She talks about her dreams in a very down-to-earth way. “My goal is to make it to the Winter Olympics and even though it might not happen this time, I do want to skate for another four years. So, the next Olympics is actually my primary goal,” the Global Indian says.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Indian Sports
Today, Tara Prasad is more than just a talented skater. She is a symbol of change—a young athlete who chose to follow her heart and represent her roots on a global stage. By giving up her US citizenship and standing up for her heritage, she has not only changed her own life but also opened the door for many more Indian athletes to explore winter sports.
Her story is a conversation with the future—a reminder that every fall on the ice is an opportunity to rise, and every brave decision can light up a nation. In a country where cricket usually dominates the headlines, Tara’s journey is a refreshing call to embrace new dreams and dare to be different.
A Legacy on Ice
Tara Prasad’s journey is a simple, relatable story of a girl who fell on the ice and got back up, time and again. It’s about a young skater who chose to put her heart on the line for her country, turning every challenge into a stepping stone towards her dreams. With every glide and jump, she inspires a whole nation to look beyond the usual and see the beauty in pursuing something unique.
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