Tiana Sumanasekera, a standout gymnast of Sri Lankan descent, is making waves by integrating Bollywood dance and South Asian heritage into her competitive routines.
Recently featured in the New York Times, Sumanasekera is a former 2024 Olympic alternate and gold medallist at the Pan American Games, making her the first person of Sri Lankan heritage to represent the United States of America at this elite level in gymnastics.
Working with the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) associate head coach BJ Das, Sumanasekera has developed a floor routine that blends athletic precision with cultural storytelling.
The performance features a medley of Bollywood hits including A. R. Rahman’s Bombay Theme and contemporary tracks such as Sheila Ki Jawani. The choreography incorporates traditional hand positions inspired by Bharatanatyam and intricate wrist movements, earning her the nickname ‘Princess T.’
The impact of her artistry has been both technical and cultural: her high scores – including 9.925 at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regional finals – helped UCLA Bruins advance to the national championships.
Beyond the scores, her routine has gone viral across South Asia including Sri Lanka. Sumanasekera has expressed pride in embracing her identity, using her performances to inspire global audiences while bridging elite Western sport with South Asian cultural expression.