Tara Prasad on comeback trail after injury, figure skater eyes Winter Olympics debut in 2026

After a string of injuries, India's top figure skater Tara Prasad is taking small steps towards her goal of competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Tara Prasad is competing at the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships 2023 in Colorado Springs, which started on Tuesday. It’s only her second event since she returned from injuries that had sidelined the Indian figure skater for four months. 

Last week at the Bavarian Open in Oberstdorf, Germany, the 22-year-old Tara Prasad finished sixth.

“I had a pretty bad injury last year, so for four months I couldn't train properly,” Tara told Olympics.com. “Two times I sprained my right ankle and I tore the disc in my back between L5 and S1.

“Then I tried to come back and then I reinjured it again in December so I withdrew from a few events.”

The Colorado-based Indian is making her second appearance at the prestigious Four Continents event, which is the biggest competition for non-Europeans. The event concludes on Sunday.

A three-time national champion, Tara Prasad is currently placed 14th in a field of 23, after scoring 46.04 in the short program, bettering her score of 43.31 from the previous edition in Tallinn, Estonia.

A singles figure skating competition is divided into two disciplines - a short program and a free skate. 

The short program involves performing for two minutes and 40 seconds with jumps, spins and steps while free skate goes on for four minutes, with minimal two-footed skating.

The combined total of both rounds determines the final standing of the competitors. Tara finished 20th at last year’s Four Continents meet.

Tara Prasad is well aware of the magnitude of this competition but is cautious with her intensity due to the recent setbacks.

“I am thankful that I can even compete in this competition,” Tara said. “Even though it wasn't my best programme, I know that even being here is an accomplishment so I’m happy about that.

“Doing some elements like some spins is still a bit difficult, but everyday I'm just trying my best.

Tara Prasad is confident of becoming the first Indian figure skater to qualify for the Winter Olympics. The 2026 edition will be held in Italy. 

“I have now understood the qualification process really well, so I can only look at that and see what elements and what I have to execute to get to Milano-Cortina 2026,” Tara said.

“So as long as I keep focusing on that and trying my best in every competition… I believe in myself,” the Indian stated.