Tejaswin Shankar AFI exemption keeps decathlete in Asian Games selection mix

National record holder Tejaswin Shankar’s road to the Asian Games remains very much open despite his absence from the upcoming National Inter-State Senior Championships. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has confirmed that the star decathlete has been granted an exemption and will still be considered for selection for this year’s continental showpiece.

The development comes as a significant relief for Tejaswin, who has enjoyed a strong season and recently rewrote his own national decathlon record during the Federation Cup in Ranchi. With the Asian Games scheduled in Aichi-Nagoya later this year, the AFI had earlier announced that the National Inter-State Championships would serve as the primary selection event.

However, Tejaswin’s case has been treated differently owing to the demanding nature of the decathlon.

AFI Planning Commission chairman Lalit Bhanot explained that asking an athlete to compete in two decathlons within a short span could do more harm than good.

“Yes, he has sought exemption from the National Inter-State in writing and we have granted it. He will be considered for the Asian Games,” Bhanot told PTI.

“The gruelling 10-event decathlon is such an event which an athlete cannot compete twice within one month. You need a long period of recovery time, otherwise he will get injured.”

The decision means the Hangzhou Asian Games bronze medallist remains firmly in contention to represent India once again on the continental stage.

WHY HAS TEJASWIN BEEN GRANTED EXEMPTION?

Unlike specialist track athletes, decathletes put their bodies through two days of intense competition across 10 separate disciplines. Recovery becomes a major factor, particularly in a season that already includes the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next month and the Asian Games later this year.

Tejaswin’s recent national record performance at the Federation Cup further strengthened his credentials, making another immediate decathlon appearance unnecessary from a selection standpoint.

The 26-year-old has emerged as one of India’s most dependable multi-event athletes in recent years and remains among the country’s strongest medal prospects heading into the Asian Games.

His exemption also highlights the flexibility available to the AFI selection committee when dealing with unique cases.

“The selection committee is the final authority to take a call on whether an athlete will be selected or not,” Bhanot said.

GURINDERVIR, SABLE AND KUJUR UPDATES

While Tejaswin’s situation appears settled, AFI is yet to make a final decision regarding national 100m record holder Gurindervir Singh.

The sprinter, who clocked a national-record 10.09 seconds at the Federation Cup and has already qualified for the Commonwealth Games, has also sought exemption from the National Inter-State Championships.

“Gurindervir has also sought exemption and the AFI is yet to take a call on that. We will do that,” Bhanot said.

He added that Gurindervir would still need to compete and satisfy qualification requirements before being considered for the Asian Games squad.

There was less encouraging news regarding national record holder Avinash Sable. Bhanot confirmed that the steeplechase star is still recovering from ACL surgery and is currently not in a position to compete.

The AFI official also addressed questions surrounding 200m national record holder Animesh Kujur’s representation of Odisha. Allegations had surfaced regarding the validity of his migration from Chhattisgarh, but Bhanot clarified that once a migration is approved, it remains valid unless the athlete seeks another transfer through the proper process.

With the National Inter-State Championships beginning on Wednesday and the Asian Games squad set to be finalised on the meet’s concluding day, attention will now shift to athletes looking to secure their places. For Tejaswin, though, the path appears clear. His absence from the championships will not stand in the way of another shot at Asian Games success.

– Ends