Russian-Georgian Figure Skater Anastasiia Gubanova Delivers Viral Bollywood Performance at Winter Olympics 2026
While India did not send a figure skater to the Winter Olympics 2026, the country received a magnificent and heart-warming representation on the global stage through a stunning viral performance. Russian-Georgian figure skater Anastasiia Gubanova captivated the audience with her unique routine set to Bollywood music at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Gubanova's Electrifying Bollywood Routine
The 23-year-old athlete danced to a mashup of iconic Hindi tracks, including 'San Sanana San' from the movie 'Asoka' and the title track from the 2025 film 'Dhurandhar'. Dressed in a sparkling red and gold outfit, Gubanova completed the authentic Indian aesthetic with a traditional red bindi, adding a cultural touch to her performance.
Videos of her routine quickly circulated across social media platforms, garnering widespread admiration from Indian and Bollywood enthusiasts worldwide. In the footage, Gubanova can be seen effortlessly executing twirls and spins with confident, graceful movements while fully enjoying the energetic Hindi music. Notably, she even incorporated a Punjabi folk dance step into her performance, syncing perfectly with the electric beats.
Global Reactions and Praise
Netizens and fans globally have expressed immense appreciation for Gubanova's association with Indian culture and her bold choice of Bollywood tracks. One social media user remarked, "India didn’t send anyone for figure skating to the Olympics in Italy, but Russian Anastasia Gubanova, representing Georgia, volunteered to be the ambassador for Hindu culture and Indian music!"
Another user added, "Amazing tribute to Indian culture and music by Georgia’s skater Anastasiia Gubanova at the Winter Olympics in Milan." The performance has sparked conversations about cultural exchange and the universal appeal of Bollywood music on international platforms like the Olympics.
Gubanova's Previous Performances and Achievements
This was not the first time Gubanova showcased this Bollywood-themed routine. She previously performed the same mashup in Beijing, China, in September 2025, wearing an identical sparkling outfit with the red bindi. Beyond this viral act, Gubanova is an accomplished figure skater with an impressive record.
Her accolades include being the 2023 European champion, a two-time European silver medallist, a four-time ISU Challenger Series gold medallist, and a two-time ISU Grand Prix bronze medallist. This demonstrates her elite skill and dedication to the sport, making her Bollywood performance even more remarkable.
Winter Olympics 2026 and India's Participation
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics commenced on February 6 and will conclude on February 22, 2026. Competitions are being held at Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium and at Cortina d’Ampezzo. While India did not field a figure skater, the country has sent two skiers to the games: Arif Khan and Stanzin Lundup, who are competing in their respective events.
Gubanova's performance has highlighted how cultural elements can transcend national boundaries in sports, creating memorable moments that resonate with audiences across the globe. Her tribute to Bollywood and Indian traditions has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the 2026 Winter Olympics.
