Indian athletics’ presence in the U.S. collegiate system continues to expand, with the 2026 season shaping up to be another significant chapter.

 

With access to world-class facilities, high-quality weekly competitions, and elite coaching environments, the U.S. collegiate pathway has become increasingly important for Indian athletes aiming to bridge the gap between national success and global standards.

 

Athletes like Pavana Nagraj, Tejaswin Shankar, Selva Prabhu, Lokesh Sathyanathan, Krishna Jayasankar, Pradeep Senthilkumar, and Madhvendra Shekhawat underline this growing momentum.

 

PAVANA NAGRAJ

The 19-year-old opened her season in sensational fashion, registering a lifetime-best 6.47m to set a new Indian indoor national record, finishing on top at the Owen Hewitt Invitational while representing Oklahoma State University.

Pavana is the daughter of India’s former high jump national record holder Sahana Kumari, continuing a strong family legacy in Indian athletics.

 

SELVA PRABHU

India’s U20 triple jump national record holder began his season with a 16.49m effort at the Thane Baker Invitational, shattering both the meet and facility records.

The 21-year-old, a 2022 U20 Asian silver medallist, owns a personal best of 16.78m set in 2023, which also stands as India’s U20 national record.

 

TEJASWIN SHANKAR

India’s national record holder in the high jump and decathlon opened his season at the Thane Baker Invitational, competing in the 60m hurdles and shot put.

His results included 8.16s in the 60m hurdles heats, 8.13s in the final, and a 13.41m throw in the shot put.

He is also set to represent India in the heptathlon at the Asian Indoor Championships 2026.

 

MADHVENDRA SHEKHAWAT

Shekhawat began his 2026 campaign by clocking 7.84s over the 60m hurdles to finish second at the Corky Classic.

He followed it up with 7.88s in both the heats and final at the Spokane Indoor Challenge, finishing on top.

With his 2025 season ending early in May, this year marks a crucial comeback phase. As he turns his focus outdoors, the Asian Games qualification standard of 13.63s in the 110m hurdles looms, with his lifetime best standing at 13.70s, achieved in 2025.

 

KRISHNA JAYASANKAR

The 24-year-old began her season with a 15.99m throw in the women’s shot put at an indoor meet in the USA.

Last season, she registered a lifetime best of 16.03m, which placed her sixth on India’s 2025 national list.