Tejaswin Shankar wins decathlon title at National Games 2023 in Goa

The 24-year-old set a new meet record in the event.

Representing Delhi, Tejaswin Shankar set a new Games Record to clinch gold in decathlon at the ongoing National Games 2023 in Goa. Shankar, who recently won silver at the Asian Games, scored a total of 7199 points to surpass the one-year-old meet record to win the Decathlon title.

As an Asian Games silver medalist and national record holder in the event, Tejaswin Shankar's participation in the decathlon not only added a fresh vibrancy to the 10-event contest but also garnered increased attention. Tejaswin boasts the National record in both high jump and decathlon with a performance of 2.29m (2018) and 7666 points, secured in the Asian Games 2023. The athlete has also actively engaged in a campaign to raise awareness and enthusiasm for the decathlon.

During the 37th National Games at the Bambolim Athletics Stadium, the 24-year-old athlete from Delhi broke the one-year-old meet record on a rainy evening which forced a one-hour break in the athletics competition. He had completed day one with a score of 4062, highlighted by his performance of 2.17m in this favorite event — high jump.

Tejaswin displayed exceptional athleticism on the first day of the Decathlon at the National Games in Goa, racking up an impressive 4062 points. He blazed through the 100m in just 11.18 seconds. Tejaswin played to his strengths in the long jump as he soared to a remarkable 7.27 meters, and he continued with a shot put throw of 12.07 meters.

In the high jump event, he cleared the bar at 2.17 meters. As the sun began to set, Tejaswin gave it his all in the final event of the day, the grueling 400m race and finished with a time of 50.56 seconds.

On the second day of the Decathlon, Tejaswin continued to shine by completing all 10 events with remarkable performances. He started with the 110m hurdles where he finished in 15.07 seconds. Tejaswin's discus throw was equally impressive which he covered a distance of 35.87 meters.

In the pole vault event, he cleared the bar at 3.70 meters and the javelin throw saw him launch the spear to a distance of 45.23 meters which further solidified his position. Tejaswin wrapped up the second day with a gritty 1500m run and completed it in just 4 minutes and 42.88 seconds.

His outstanding efforts on the second day earned him a total of 3173 points which when added to his day one score gave him an astounding final total of 7199 points. Tejaswin not only secured victory but also set a new meet record by breaking the previous record of 7121 set in the 2022 National Games by U. Khan Gand.