Asian Athletics Championships 2025: Tejaswin Shankar Wins Silver, Becomes First Indian with Two Decathlon Medals

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Asian Athletics Championships 2025: In a remarkable display of grit and athleticism, Tejaswin Shankar etched his name in Indian athletics history by becoming the first Indian to win two medals in decathlon at the Asian Athletics Championships.

The 26-year-old track and field star clinched silver in the grueling ten-event competition at the 2025 edition in Gumi, South Korea, adding to the bronze he secured in 2023.

Shankar, who holds the national decathlon record, amassed a total of 7,618 points, finishing just 16 points behind China’s Fei Xiang, who bagged the gold with 7,634 points. Japan’s Keisuke Okuda followed closely with 7,602 points to take the bronze.

Heading into the final event—the 1500 metres, Tejaswin was placed third. But in a thrilling finish, he clocked 4:37.99, earning 693 points to leap into the second position and secure his silver. His performance not only demonstrated endurance but also tactical brilliance in managing energy through the ten demanding events. His silver was also India’s seventh medal at the ongoing continental meet, underlining the country’s growing presence in multi-discipline track events.

A Battle of Margins

With just 32 points separating the podium finishers, the competition was fiercely close. Tejaswin’s consistency across the hurdles, high jump, shot put, and pole vault helped him maintain momentum, but it was the final sprint in the 1500m that truly tipped the scales in his favour.

Final Decathlon Standings:

• Fei Xiang (China) – 7,634 pts
• Tejaswin Shankar (India) – 7,618 pts
• Keisuke Okuda (Japan) – 7,602 pts
• Chen Yu Wang (Chinese Taipei) – 7,546 pts
• Chia Hsuan Cho (Chinese Taipei) – 7,275 pts
• Junyoung Park (Korea) – 7,053 pts
• Haman Abdullah Ghrairi (Iraq) – 6,994 pts
• Hokett Delos Santos (Philippines) – 6,848 pts

Trailblazer in Indian Athletics

With this latest achievement, Tejaswin has solidified his reputation as a trailblazer in Indian multi-event athletics. His journey from high jump prodigy to decathlon medalist at the Asian stage underscores his adaptability and relentless pursuit of excellence.

As India continues its campaign at the championships, Tejaswin’s silver serves as a glowing highlight and a testament to the country’s rising athletic ambitions on the continental stage.