Inside Gymnastics Magazine | Tiana Sumanasekera talks to Inside Gymnastics about representing Sri Lanka

UCLA gymnast Sumanasekera has gained international visibility across South Asia and Sri Lanka by incorporating Bollywood and Sri Lankan dance into her floor routines. Sumanasekera, who holds dual U.S. and Sri Lankan citizenship, collaborated with UCLA Associate Head Coach and choreographer BJ Das to create a “Bollywood Princess” styled performance that became a social media sensation.

How did Sumanasekera integrate her heritage into gymnastics?

Sumanasekera uses her floor routines to showcase Sri Lankan culture, specifically focusing on dance and choreography. According to Sumanasekera, she grew up visiting her parents’ birthplace in Sri Lanka, where her grandparents and extended family still reside.

For her 2026 performance, she combined several musical pieces, including “Bombay Theme,” “Tujhe Dekha To,” “Sheila Ki Jawani,” and “Dola Re.” Sumanasekera stated that she finds inspiration for these movements from videos and media associated with her selected music.

Did You Know? Sumanasekera previously managed all aspects of her floor routines alone, including spending seven hours on her computer cutting music to ensure her specific vision was maintained.

What impact did the “Bollywood Princess” routine have?

The routine resonated with South Asian audiences and went viral in Sri Lanka and India. Sumanasekera reported receiving numerous direct messages and in-person comments from South Asian fans at UCLA home meets who appreciated the representation of their culture.

A post by ESPNW during the Regional Championships further increased the routine’s visibility. Sumanasekera described the experience as “insane,” noting she had not expected her work to expand from the U.S. to Asia.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the transition from the rigid technical requirements of Elite gymnastics to the NCAA stage provides a strategic opening for athletes. By prioritizing artistry and choreography over a higher volume of required skills, gymnasts can leverage cultural storytelling to build a distinct personal brand and international appeal.

How do NCAA routines differ from Elite gymnastics?

Sumanasekera observed that NCAA routines allow for more choreography because they require fewer skills than Elite gymnastics. She stated that this shift initially took time to get used to, but it ultimately allowed her to dance more naturally.

Before joining UCLA, Sumanasekera’s 2024 and 2025 routines were self-produced. One such routine was set to the song “Shine” by BOND, a piece she had known since age seven and choreographed in her own living room before presenting it to her Elite teammates at WCC.

What may happen next for Sumanasekera?

Sumanasekera has expressed a desire to continue implementing Sri Lankan and South Asian choreography in her future performances. She believes the variety within South Asian dance is the most authentic way to show her natural self.

Tiana Sumanasekera hits a 9.875 floor routine at UCLA gymnastics home meet – Jan 17, 2026

Additionally, Sumanasekera indicated that she could potentially bring the choreographic style developed in her NCAA routines back to the Elite gymnastics stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which songs were featured in Sumanasekera’s 2026 routine?
The routine featured “Bombay Theme,” “Tujhe Dekha To,” “Sheila Ki Jawani,” and “Dola Re.”

Who helped Sumanasekera with her UCLA choreography?
She worked with UCLA Associate Head Coach and choreographer BJ Das.

How did Sumanasekera’s routine reach a global audience?
The routine went viral in South Asia and Sri Lanka, aided in part by a post from ESPNW during the Regional Championships.

Do you think incorporating cultural dance into sports helps increase the global visibility of the athlete?