San Angelo, Texas : India’s multi-event star Tejaswin Shankar began his 2026 decathlon campaign with a compelling performance at the David Noble Relays in Texas, emerging as the winner and setting a wind-assisted personal best of 7,947 points.
Competing in his first decathlon of the season, Shankar delivered consistent performances across the ten events and finished ahead of his rivals. Although his tally was just 53 points shy of the coveted 8,000-point benchmark, the score was enough to secure victory in the meet.
Personal Best, But Not a Record
Shankar’s 7,947-point total surpasses his previous best — the Indian national record of 7,826 points that he set last year in Poland — but it will not be ratified as a new record. According to World Athletics rules, combined-events performances can only be recognised for records if the average wind assistance across the 100m, long jump and 110m hurdles does not exceed +2.0 m/s. In Texas, wind readings in those events were significantly above that limit, with the 100m at +4.7 m/s and the long jump at +4.5 m/s, invalidating the mark for record purposes. �
Season Momentum and Competitive Edge
Shankar’s showing in Texas continues the momentum he built earlier this year, including strong performances in indoor events. Before heading to the outdoor season, he competed in events such as the 60m hurdles and shot put, and also won his high jump competition at a US invitational meet.
With this winning start, Shankar appears well-prepared for the bigger competitions ahead in 2026, including key national and international meets where he’ll aim to surpass the 8,000-point mark under legal conditions.
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