Tejaswin Shankar and N Thowfeeq Kick Off Decathlon at Asian Games 2026

Tejaswin Shankar and N Thowfeeq have kicked off their decathlon campaign at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan. With the 100m race completed, both athletes are looking to excel in their upcoming events. Tejaswin, a silver medalist from the previous Asian Games, aims for consecutive medals, while Thowfeeq also seeks to make his mark. The competition includes various disciplines over two days, and both athletes are set to participate in their stronger events later. Additionally, India's kabaddi teams and PV Sindhu in badminton are also in action, making it an exciting day for Indian sports.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 26, 2026, 07:12 IST

Decathlon Begins for Indian Athletes

In Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on September 26, Indian decathletes Tejaswin Shankar and N Thowfeeq launched their decathlon journey at the Asian Games 2026, starting with the 100m sprint on Saturday.

Tejaswin recorded a time of 10.98 seconds in the opening event, earning him 865 points and placing him fifth overall. Meanwhile, Thowfeeq participated in Heat 1 of the 100m, finishing fourth with a time of 11.02 seconds, which garnered him 856 points.

Tejaswin, who previously secured a silver medal in decathlon at the Hangzhou Asian Games, is determined to achieve consecutive medals in this event. The 100m race marks the first of ten events in the decathlon, with athletes competing in various disciplines over two days.

Tejaswin aims to gain an advantage in his stronger events, such as the long jump and high jump, which are scheduled for later in the day. He will strive to accumulate essential points as the competition advances into the second day.

The decathlon consists of the 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump, and 400m on the first day, followed by the 110m hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and 1500m on the second day.

In addition, India's men's and women's kabaddi teams are set to compete for gold medals, while two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu will commence her singles campaign in badminton, marking significant events for India at the Asian Games 2026 on Saturday.

Both kabaddi teams will face Iran in their respective gold medal matches at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium. The women's final is scheduled for the morning, followed by the men's final in the afternoon, as reported by Olympics.com.

The Indian men's kabaddi team is aiming for their ninth gold medal at the Asian Games, while the women's team seeks their fourth title. In badminton, PV Sindhu will lead India's challenge in the women's singles after the unexpected exit of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty from the men's doubles.