Tara Prasad, the Indian-American figure skater, recently fired back at the wave of online abuse, death threats, and discriminatory messages she’s been facing. In a series of raw and emotional Instagram stories, Prasad didn’t shy away from calling out the trolls who targeted her. "It’s easy to send death threats, hatred, discriminatory messages. I hope you are proud of yourselves," she wrote in a now-deleted story. Her words didn’t just reflect her frustration — they spotlighted a growing issue in modern sports, where athletes face relentless cyberbullying, often with little to no accountability for those responsible.
Prasad’s response wasn’t just about defending herself; it was a rallying cry for representation in sports that rarely see Indian athletes. She went on to express the deeper meaning behind her skating career, saying, "If I want a sports career later, that’s great — but I’m doing this because, in life, I will be fully self-sufficient. It’s not an easy task. REPRESENTATION matters INTERNATIONALLY in sports like figure skating." Her words resonate with countless aspiring athletes who don’t see people who look like them on the ice, and her journey embodies the importance of changing that narrative.
Tara’s path has been anything but smooth. In 2019, she made the bold, life-changing decision to relinquish her US citizenship to represent India on the global stage — a move that came with emotional, logistical, and competitive challenges. Despite that, she’s since clinched three national championships, proving her dedication and skill. Her decision caught the attention of Indian business tycoon Anand Mahindra, who praised her tenacity and celebrated her as a trailblazer. He acknowledged her sacrifices and applauded her courage, especially after she narrowly missed qualifying for the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Mahindra didn’t stop at recognition. He publicly encouraged Prasad to set her sights on the 2026 Winter Olympics, assuring her that setbacks don’t define a career — resilience does. His words were a powerful reminder that failure is often just a stepping stone to success, and for Prasad, the dream is far from over.
Prasad’s response to the online harassment is more than a clapback. It’s a testament to the unbreakable spirit that defines her. It’s about standing tall in the face of hate and proving that no amount of trolling can erase the hard work, passion, and courage she’s poured into her sport. Her story isn’t just about figure skating — it’s about breaking barriers, defying expectations, and inspiring an entire generation of young Indian athletes to believe they belong on the world’s biggest stages.
Behind every graceful spin and powerful jump is an athlete who’s fought battles off the ice that most people never see. Tara Prasad embodies that fight, showing the world that she’s more than a figure skater — she’s a symbol of resilience, strength, and unwavering determination.
