Vishal TK, India’s newest sprinting sensation, is setting his sights on podium finishes at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games after smashing the national 400m record. The 21-year-old quartermiler’s meteoric rise culminated in a stunning 45.12-second run to claim gold at the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships 2025 in Chennai on Thursday, surpassing the previous record of 45.21s set by Muhammed Anas Yahiya in 2019.
Vishal’s record-breaking performance has positioned him as the fourth-fastest 400m runner in Asia this season, a remarkable feat for an athlete who only transitioned to the event in 2023. “I tested myself, and hard work paid off,” Vishal told PTI, reflecting on his journey. “The Commonwealth Games and Asian Games are next, and I’m aiming for medals in both individual and relay events.”
Hailing from Trivandrum, Vishal credits his childhood coach, Srinivasan, for guiding him through a pivotal career shift. Initially a 100m and 200m sprinter in 2022 and 2023, Vishal switched to the grueling 400m on Srinivasan’s advice. “It was a tough decision. The 400m isn’t easy—it demands endurance alongside speed,” he said. “I had the speed from shorter sprints, but I worked hard on stamina.”
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His dedication bore fruit last December when he clocked a personal best of 46.43s at the All India University meet. Months of rigorous off-season training under Srinivasan’s mentorship led to the historic 45.12s run. “I trusted my coach blindly, and that belief helped me break the national record,” Vishal said. His earlier achievements include a gold in the mixed 4x400m relay and a silver in the men’s 4x400m relay at the 2025 Asian Championships in South Korea, where he also posted a personal best of 45.57s in the individual 400m.
An alumnus of the Inspire Institute of Sports (IIS), Vishal acknowledges the crucial support from IIS and JSW Sports. “The backing I received, including training in Europe and a monthly stipend, was instrumental in my success,” he said. As he prepares to wrap up the 2025 season, Vishal and his coach are already strategizing for 2026, with a focus on refining his technique and building endurance for the global stage.
Vishal’s rise is a testament to perseverance and mentorship, inspiring a new generation of Indian athletes. With his eyes set on international glory, the young sprinter is poised to make India proud at the Commonwealth and Asian Games.
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