Despite a dramatic race interrupted by three false starts and repeated delays, Tejas Shirse held his composure to claim the men’s 110m hurdles title at the 65th Interstate Athletics Championships 2026.
The Indian national record holder crossed the line first in 13.61s, comfortably achieving the Asian Games qualification standard and confirming his place for the 2026 Games.
The race, however, was far from straightforward. Three false starts created chaos before the athletes finally got away cleanly, but Shirse remained unfazed, once again demonstrating the consistency that has made him India’s premier sprint hurdler. Earlier this season, he rewrote the national record with a sensational 13.27s, making his qualification at the Interstates widely expected.
Behind him, Manav R produced an outstanding performance to finish second in 13.66s, missing the Asian Games qualification mark by the narrowest of margins—just 0.03 seconds. It was a heartbreaking result after a career-best run that showed he is closing in on the country’s elite.
M Krishik completed a tightly contested podium, finishing third in 13.69s, just 0.08 seconds behind the winner.
With the victory, Shirse adds the Interstate title to his growing list of achievements and heads towards the Asian Games as India’s strongest medal prospect in the men’s 110m hurdles. His ability to stay calm amid the confusion before the start only reinforced why he remains the country’s benchmark in the event.