Tejas & Kachnar: Built, not born

“Do the best with whatever you have!”
That simple philosophy defines the journey of Tejas Shirse, one of India’s most leading hurdlers, and sets the tone for the latest episode of Beyond The Podium, a podcast by Reliance Foundation Sports that places athletes at the heart of their own stories.

In this compelling episode, Tejas, along with shot putter Kachnar Chaudhary, reflect on their unconventional paths to sporting excellence. From training in makeshift gyms and watching YouTube tutorials to breaking national records and inspiring a new generation, their stories go beyond medals to explore identity, resilience, and the evolving role of athletes in today’s world.

Tejas, who once trained without a coach and won his first national medal wearing someone else’s shoes, shares how far he’s come. “Before Reliance, I trained in a broken gym. Today, I have access to coaches, physiotherapists, psychologists… a full team. And that’s changed everything,” he says. Having battled performance anxiety early in his career, he now competes with a mindset rooted in preparation and presence. “If you’re scared of the competition, it means you haven’t done the work. Now, I try not to think about what’s going to happen—just enjoy what you’re doing.”

For Kachnar, the journey has been equally uphill. Growing up in a place where few even knew what shot put was, she relied on her father and online videos to learn the sport. “People would ask…what is shot put? I’d tell them…Gola fenk hota hai,” she laughs.

But her sense of purpose runs deep. Today, she uses her growing digital presence to guide young athletes towards sports quota jobs and grassroots opportunities. “We didn’t have coaches… My father taught me everything. The only thing you need is hard work and determination.”

Both athletes also speak about their foray into content creation, not just as a creative outlet, but as a means of sharing knowledge, building community, and expressing who they are beyond the field. “If you can’t tell your parents what you’re doing online,” Tejas reflects, “you probably shouldn’t be doing it.” Kachnar agrees, adding, “When someone says they saw my video and it helped them… that’s real satisfaction.”

With the support of Reliance Foundation Sports, both Tejas and Kachnar are now better equipped, mentally, physically, and emotionally, to continue pushing boundaries. Their stories are a powerful reminder that success in sports, as in life, is not always a straight line, it’s a climb built on purpose, perseverance, and staying true to who you are.