Source TOI
Glasgow: Indian athletics star Tejaswin Shankar produced a heroic display of resilience to script history, becoming the first Indian athlete to win a decathlon medal at the Commonwealth Games. Battling chronic patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee)—which had previously forced him to withdraw from his marquee high jump event earlier in the competition—the 27-year-old fought through severe physical pain across two grueling days to capture the bronze medal.
Shankar accumulated a total of 7,976 points across the 10 multi-discipline events. Grenada’s Lindon Victor captured the gold medal with 8,096 points, while Olympic champion Damian Warner of Canada took silver with 8,036 points.
A Test of Endurance and Grit
Shankar laid a strong foundation on Day 1, opening with a solid 10.96-second run in the 100m sprint. He followed it up with a standout personal best of 7.82 meters in the long jump, earning 1,015 points, and cleared 2.15 meters in the high jump to finish the opening day in second place behind Warner.
Despite pain flaring up during Day 2, Shankar held his nerve across the remaining disciplines. He logged a personal best in the discus throw (40.44m), cleared 4.30m in the pole vault, and delivered a crucial season-best effort of 53.12m in the javelin throw. Pushing through agony in the decisive final event—the 1,500 meters—he clocked 4:36.19 to cross the finish line and secure his place on the podium.
Two-Time CWG Medallist
This historic win marks Shankar’s second Commonwealth Games medal, adding to his high jump bronze from the 2022 Birmingham Games. His victory also makes him the first Indian athlete to win CWG medals across two distinct athletics disciplines.
Reflecting on his grueling journey and the high-adrenaline finish, Shankar shared after the event that the intense spirit of competition kept him driving forward, proving that pure determination can overcome the toughest physical setbacks.
