Tejas Shirse Announces Comeback in Style, Clocks India’s Second-Fastest Ever 110m Hurdles Time
Indian athletics witnessed a defining moment as Tejas Shirse marked his return from injury with a performance that immediately re-established him at the top of the country’s sprint hurdles hierarchy.
The national record holder clocked 13.43 seconds in the men’s 110m hurdles, registering India’s second-fastest time ever just 0.02 seconds shy of his own national record. For Tejas, this was more than just a fast race. It was a statement of resilience after a season disrupted by injury, and a reminder of the level he brings when fully fit. Missing a significant portion of the competitive calendar had raised questions about rhythm, race sharpness, and timing. Those concerns were answered emphatically on the track.
From the start, Tejas looked composed and technically sharp. His reaction time off the blocks set the tone, and his approach to the first hurdle was controlled, allowing him to establish rhythm early in the race. In sprint hurdles, maintaining stride pattern and minimizing disruption over barriers is critical, and Tejas executed both aspects with precision. What stood out most was his ability to sustain speed across the middle phase of the race. The transition between hurdles—often where athletes lose momentum remained fluid. His clearance technique appeared efficient, with minimal vertical lift and quick ground contact, allowing him to maintain forward velocity. By the final stretch, he was already in contention for a top-tier time.
Stopping the clock at 13.43 seconds, Tejas not only reaffirmed his position as India’s premier hurdler but also delivered one of the fastest performances in Asia this season. His timing currently ranks among the top five in the continent, placing him firmly in the conversation for major international events.
Equally significant is the context of the performance. Coming back from injury, athletes often prioritise gradual progression—building race fitness and avoiding setbacks. Tejas, however, has returned at near-peak level, missing his own national record by just two hundredths of a second. Such a comeback suggests not only physical recovery but also strong conditioning and preparation behind the scenes.
The performance also ensured that Tejas comfortably breached the Asian Games qualification standard, putting him on track for selection in upcoming continental competitions. However, the Commonwealth Games qualification mark of 13.39 seconds remains just out of reach for now. Tejas missed that benchmark by a mere 0.04 seconds, a margin that underscores how close he is to achieving another milestone.
Adding further depth to the event, Krishik M also delivered a breakthrough performance, clocking 13.44 seconds his personal best and the third-fastest time in Indian history. Together, Tejas and Krishik now occupy two of the top three spots on India’s all-time list, signalling a shift in the competitive landscape of the men’s 110m hurdles. For Tejas, however, the focus remains on consistency and progression. A single performance, even at this level, must be backed by repeated execution to establish dominance. The upcoming Federation Cup will be a critical test, offering another opportunity to chase the Commonwealth Games qualification mark and further sharpen race readiness.
From a technical standpoint, there are clear positives to build on. His hurdle clearance remains efficient, his stride pattern stable, and his finishing speed intact. The marginal gap to the national record suggests that with slight refinements whether in start reaction, mid-race acceleration, or final-phase endurance he could lower his own benchmark.
Beyond the numbers, the comeback carries broader significance for Indian athletics. Sprint hurdles has historically been a challenging discipline for Indian athletes at the international level, requiring a blend of speed, technique, and consistency. Tejas’ return to form, combined with Krishik’s rise, indicates growing depth and competitiveness in the event. The timing of this resurgence is also important. With the Asian Games and other international competitions on the horizon, India now has multiple athletes capable of delivering competitive timings. Internal competition often drives performance standards higher, and the presence of two athletes operating in the 13.4 range could push both towards further improvement.
For Tejas Shirse, this race marks a successful return but not the destination. The gap to his national record is minimal, and the Commonwealth Games qualification mark is within immediate reach. More importantly, the performance signals that he is once again capable of competing at the highest level. In athletics, comebacks are rarely straightforward. They require patience, discipline, and the ability to trust the process. Tejas has not only returned he has done so with authority.
As the season progresses, the focus will now shift to sustaining this level and converting potential into consistent results. If this performance is any indication, Tejas Shirse is not just back he is ready to push the boundaries of Indian sprint hurdling once again.
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