Tejaswin Shankar: The pursuit of more

Reliance Foundation Sports athlete Tejaswin Shankar has never been afraid of a challenge. From rewriting India’s high jump record as a schoolboy to taking on the demanding ten-event decathlon, his journey has been defined by ambition, adaptability and an unwavering desire to become a better athlete.

In the latest special from Reliance Foundation Sports, Safar Champions Ka, he says his belief is simple: “You don't choose the sport; the sport chooses you if you are good enough. You just have to be capable.”

Safar Champions Ka is a special series that takes you beyond the arena and into the journeys of Reliance Foundation Sports athletes. Exploring the experiences, challenges, turning points and people that shape their careers, the series offers a closer look at the individuals behind the performances.

A leap that changed everything
Shankar first made his mark while still in Class 11, clearing 2.26m to set a new national high jump record. The remarkable performance placed him among the best young high jumpers in the world and opened the door to a new chapter in the United States.

For his mother, Lakshmi Shankar, watching her son compete at the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon, remains a cherished memory.

The pursuit of becoming complete
Having already established himself as one of India’s leading high jumpers, Shankar chose to challenge himself further. He turned to the decathlon.

The ten-event discipline demands excellence across sprinting, jumping, throwing and endurance. For Shankar, the transition was driven by a desire to become a ‘more complete athlete.’

A naturally sprint-and-jump-dominant athlete, he has worked relentlessly to strengthen every aspect of his game and build the all-round ability required to compete at the highest level.

His coach, Rajiv sums up the qualities behind his progress: “TJ is one of those guys who has both. He has natural talent, and he uses hard work to take his talent even higher.”

Having already qualified for both the high jump and decathlon at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Shankar now heads to Glasgow ready to compete across two events, a testament to the evolution of his journey from high jump specialist to all-round decathlete. 

 

 

 

 

 

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A partnership built on trust

The transition to the decathlon has required a strong support system. For Shankar, Reliance Foundation Sports has been an important part of that journey. He believes that one factor, in particular, has made the partnership stand out: communication.

“I think the biggest benchmark that RF hit for me personally was communication. RF has delivered on that so far. So that's why I am extremely happy. And that's why I think it stands out.”

Having already entered the 8,000-point club, Shankar is now setting his sights even higher. With the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games ahead, the decathlete is focused on continuing his progression and challenging for medals on the biggest stages. 

The long-term ambitions are even greater, with his coaching team believing he can eventually reach around 9,000 points.

For Shankar, the goal remains clear: “I have to do whatever it takes to land among the medalists.”

From high jump prodigy to decathlon contender, his pursuit of becoming more continues.