Indian Athlete First to Cross 8,000 Points in Decathlon

Tejaswin Shankar stood at the finish line of the 1500-meter race in Ranchi, knowing he'd just made history. The 27-year-old became the first Indian athlete to cross 8,000 points in decathlon, scoring 8,057 points at the Federation athletics meet.

The achievement came after crushing disappointments. Just months earlier, Tejaswin missed the 8,000-point mark by only 53 points when he ran slower than ever in the final event. His wife Siddhi Hiray's friendly teasing kept him motivated to try again.

Tejaswin's path to this moment was unusual. Already India's national record holder in high jump, he deliberately switched to decathlon—one of track and field's most grueling events. He wanted tougher challenges, not easier victories.

In Ranchi, he set four personal bests across 100 meters, long jump, 400 meters, and 1500 meters. He needed to run the final 1500 meters in 4:37 to hit his goal. Instead, he clocked 4:29, surpassing his target by eight seconds.

His strategy works differently than most decathletes. Tejaswin builds massive points on day one with events like high jump, where he scored 2.25 meters, then manages day two strategically. He's the only athlete to score 8,000 points while throwing just 40 meters in javelin.

The support system made the difference. His wife shouted splits during races, his sister Avantika cheered him on, and coach Wayne Lombard managed nutrition between events. During two consecutive days of competition, when emotions run wild, they kept him focused.

The Ripple Effect

Tejaswin celebrated his achievement while watching fellow athletes break barriers around him. Sprinters Gurindervir Singh and Vishal T.K. became the first Indians to run under 10.10 seconds in the 100 meters and 45 seconds in the 400 meters on the same day.

Tejaswin sees the bigger picture clearly. Fellow decathlete N. Thowfeeq scored 7,530 points—enough for bronze at the last Commonwealth Games. Tejaswin knows Thowfeeq will push him higher, just like javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra's 90-meter throw inspired eight other Indians to reach 80-plus meters.

He qualified for both high jump and decathlon at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in July. His high jump average this year exceeds his performance during his last Olympic preparation, proving his unusual dual-sport strategy works.

India's track and field scene is transforming before his eyes. Athletes are receiving better support, breaking records in challenging conditions, and pushing each other to new heights. For Tejaswin, that collective progress matters as much as his personal milestone.