Hurdler Tejas Shirse Breaks Own Record, Qualifies for CWG
Indian hurdler Tejas Shirse clocked 13.27 seconds in the 110m hurdles, smashing his own national record and securing his spot at the Commonwealth Games just four months after an ankle injury threatened to end his season. The 24-year-old's comeback story proves that sometimes the best performances come when you least expect them.
Four months ago, Tejas Shirse was sidelined with an ankle injury, wondering if his Commonwealth Games dreams were over. On Friday in Ludhiana, he didn't just qualify—he shattered his own national record.
The 24-year-old hurdler blazed through 110 meters in 13.27 seconds at Guru Nanak Stadium, breaking his previous record of 13.41 seconds. The time also smashed the Commonwealth Games qualifying mark of 13.39 seconds, securing his ticket to the international competition.
"That celebration came from inside, you know," Shirse told reporters after his run. "I wasn't expecting anything today."
The victory was sweeter because it almost didn't happen. Last month at the Federation Cup in Ranchi, Shirse clocked disappointing times of 13.67 and 13.50 seconds, seemingly missing his final chance to qualify. Then the Athletics Federation of India announced one more qualifying event in Ludhiana, giving him another shot.
Shirse has held India's top hurdler title since first breaking the national record in 2024. But despite consistent strong performances, he couldn't beat that 13.41-second mark until Friday.
His four-month injury layoff made the achievement even more remarkable. When he returned to training, the Commonwealth Games weren't even part of the conversation. "We had thought of Asian Games but not CWG," he explained.
His first meet back in May showed promise with a 13.43-second run, just two hundredths of a second off the record. That near-miss set the stage for Friday's breakthrough.
Why This Inspires
Shirse's journey reminds us that setbacks often set up the greatest comebacks. He didn't let injury steal his confidence or his belief that he could go even faster. "When I returned from my injury this time, I told everyone that I can break the national record," he said.
Now he's preparing to face some of the world's best. The Commonwealth Games field includes Rasheed Broadbell, who won gold in 2022 and bronze at the Paris Olympics. Olympic champion Hansle Parchment will also compete.
Shirse isn't fazed. "I think I am ready for the big stage," he said. "If I can be in the right mindset, I think a good performance is round the corner."
His coach's strategy worked perfectly: keep the approach simple and follow the process. That mindset helped Shirse return to peak form faster than anyone expected.
Friday's run proved he's not just back—he's better than ever.
Based on reporting by Indian Express
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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