Meet Anastasiia Gubanova, Georgian Ice Skater Goes Indian At Winter Olympics

Figure skater Anastasiia Gubanova, representing Georgia, delighted Indian audiences as she performed to Indian songs at the ongoing Winter Olympics 2026 in Milan. In one of the most talked-about moments of the Games, Gubanova performed to trendy Bollywood numbers such as San Sanana from the 2001 film Asoka and the title track of the recent hit Dhurandhar.

Gubanova swayed and grooved in a red and gold sparkly leotard and an unmissable red bindi, channelling Indian flair at the global sporting event.

Gubanova's short program earned her 5th place with a score of 67.79. The Russia-born skater has previously performed to Bollywood numbers, earning a name as an honorary desi girl.

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Who is Anastasiia Gubanova?

Anastasiia Gubanova is a Russian-born skater who represents Georgia in women’s singles. Known for her consistency and calm presence on the ice, she rose to prominence with her 2023 European Championship win.

Her career also includes two European silver medals, two ISU Grand Prix bronze medals, and four ISU Challenger Series golds, reflecting years of steady progress and perseverance. Her journey is not just about medals, but about finding space to grow in a highly demanding sport.

Gubanova began skating in 2006 when she was just four years old, after doctors suggested her parents put her into an outdoor sport to help with her allergies.

What started as a health decision soon became a passion. A few months later, her family moved from Tolyatti to St. Petersburg so she could train at a better skating school. By the age of six, she was being coached by Angelina Turenko.

Her talent showed early. In November 2013, she competed internationally for the first time in the advanced novice category and won gold at the Warsaw Cup.

Over the next few years, she continued to do well, winning events such as the Rooster Cup, Gardena Spring Trophy, and the NRW Trophy, slowly building her confidence and experience on the ice.

Artistic Choice

Beyond medals, Gubanova has drawn attention for her artistic choices. She has performed programs set to Indian songs, blending their rhythm and emotion into her choreography.

These performances highlighted her expressive strength and willingness to step beyond conventional figure skating music, helping her connect with a broader international audience.

Her ability to adapt her skating style to different cultural sounds reinforces her identity as a performer, not just a technician.

Anastasiia Gubanova’s journey shows that success in figure skating does not always follow a straight line. Her career is a reminder that persistence and artistic courage matter for the early results.

Representing Georgia

In 2021, she began representing Georgia internationally. The decision opened new space for growth and opportunity. Competing for Georgia allowed her to skate in major events regularly and take on the responsibility of leading a national program.

Gubanova began the new season at the 2022 CS Finlandia Trophy, where she won the bronze medal, finishing 7.95 points behind South Korean silver medalist Kim Chae-yeon. 

She was then invited to make her senior Grand Prix debut at the 2022 MK John Wilson Trophy. She finished third in the short program and, while fifth in the free skate, remained third overall and won the bronze medal.

Gubanova then finished seventh at the 2022 Grand Prix of Espoo. Her breakthrough came at the 2023 European Figure Skating Championships, where she won the gold medal, becoming the first woman to claim a European title for Georgia. 

With her blend of technical control and unique musical choices, including Indian inspired programs, she stands as a skater defined not just by medals, but by growth and individuality.