Glasgow, July 28: Indian decathlon national record holder and Commonwealth Games 2022 bronze medallist Tejaswin Shankar remains determined to compete in the decathlon despite withdrawing from the men's high jump final after suffering an injury flare-up at the Commonwealth Games 2026.
Tejaswin retired after failing to clear 2.05m in his opening attempt, bringing an abrupt end to his high jump campaign. While the disappointment was evident, the versatile Indian insisted the setback would not stop him from taking his place in the decathlon, which begins on Thursday.
"It's just one of those things which really stings. In these conditions, I was in really great shape. My warm-ups felt phenomenal. I was literally ready before my first jump, but it is
what it is. That's what sport is all about," Tejaswin told reporters after the event.
'I'm Still in the Best Shape of My Life'
The 26-year-old, who bagged a High Jump bronze in the previous edition in Birmingham, revealed that the issue was a sudden flare-up rather than a lack of preparation, leaving him frustrated after entering the competition in peak condition.
"Every athlete manages these things, and I manage them too. But today I had a terrible flare-up and it ruined my whole competition. I'm trying to console myself, but it is what it is. "
Despite the setback, Tejaswin remains optimistic about his chances in the decathlon.
"I think I'm still in the best shape of my life. I'm so ready and so excited. I still have two days, so I'll give my best over the next two days to try and fix this. "
'I'm Not Here on Vacation'
Tejaswin made it clear that his Commonwealth Games campaign is far from over.
"I'm not here on vacation. I'm going to start the decathlon and see what we can do. Obviously, if something happens, it happens, but I will start. "
He explained that the injury primarily affects the jumping disciplines and not the entire decathlon.
"The issue mainly affects the long jump and high jump. If those two events become difficult, I'm still confident about the other events. But I'm not thinking too far ahead. Right now, the next two days are all about trying to fix this. "
Confident of making a comeback, Tejaswin added:
"I have the best people in my corner, so I'm pretty confident. "
Helping Kushare Chase History From the Sidelines
Although his own competition ended early, Tejaswin remained deeply invested in the men's high jump final.
Just a month ago, Sarvesh Kushare had broken Tejaswin's long-standing national record by clearing 2.31m at the Inter-State Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar, surpassing the 2.29m mark that Tejaswin had established as India's benchmark in the event.
At the Scotstoun Stadium, the baton appeared to be passing in real time.
Instead of heading away after withdrawing, Tejaswin stayed seated beside the landing area and was seen in constant conversation with Kushare as the competition entered its decisive stages. The exchanges became more frequent after Kushare cleared 2.25m and prepared for his attempts at 2.28m, with the former national record holder offering encouragement and tactical inputs between jumps.
The scene reflected the mutual respect between two of India's finest high jumpers, one who had carried Indian high jump for years and another who has now taken it to new heights.
Kushare eventually settled for silver after clearing 2.25m, becoming the first Indian to win a Commonwealth Games silver medal in the men's high jump. Shankar bagged a bronze in 2022.
'The Baton Is Being Passed'
After the competition, Tejaswin could not hide his admiration for Kushare's composure under pressure.
"The way he handled himself was spectacular, especially in tricky conditions. The standout moment for me was when he backed himself. I think he had two failures at 2.25m, then he chose to go to 2.28m knowing he'd have just one attempt left. That was his call to make, and the fact that he backed himself and was very, very close speaks volumes about how mature a high jumper he has become and how ready he is for the global stage. "
Tejaswin believes Kushare's achievement signals the rise of a new generation in Indian high jump.
"I think the baton is now being passed, and it's good to see that transition. "
He also praised fellow Indian Adarsh Ram, who finished fifth in the final.
"Adarsh also did pretty well. I think he'll feel he had the opportunity and missed it, but again, the Asian Games will be another big chance for those guys. "
While Tejaswin's own high jump campaign ended in disappointment, his presence on the sidelines underscored his role as both a competitor and a mentor. Now, with two days to recover from the injury flare-up, his attention turns to the decathlon, where he hopes to rescue his Commonwealth Games campaign.
