Vishal won the 400m gold with a timing of 45.12s.
| Photo Credit: R. RAGU
Tamil Nadu’s Vishal T.K. has been one of the standout athletes for India in the men’s 400m this season having run sub-46s five times. The 21-year-old justified his growing potential by bagging the gold medal with a National record of 45.12s in the National inter-state athletics meet at the Nehru Stadium here on Thursday.
Vihal broke Muhammed Anas’s record of 45.21 set in Bhubaneswar in 2019. Still, Vishal couldn’t come anywhere close to the qualification mark (44.85) for the World Championships.
Earlier, Baranica Elangovan of Tamil Nadu cleared 4.10m in women’s pole vault and equalled the meet record set by Tamil Nadu’s Pavithra Venkatesh in Bhubaneswar in 2023.
Haryana’s Pooja, considered one of the bright prospects to qualify for the Worlds in women’s 1500m, strengthened her chances of making the grade through the World rankings, with a strong show (4:10.68).
Vishal credited the Indian men’s team coach Jason Dawson his improvement. “He (Jason) needs results. He prepared me for the National record. Actually, the National record is a reward for my hard work. I always run for my personal best,” said Vishal, who took up 400m last year, after beginning his career with sprints.
Jamican Jason lavished praise on his ward. “What Vishal brings to the table is something I have always been asking the older athletes for. I ask for honesty and dedication. He listens and learns quickly.”
The results (winners only): Men: 400m: Vishal TK (TN) 45.12s (NR) (OR: Muhammed Anas 45.21, 2019); 1500m: Yoonus Shah (UP) 3:41.22s; discus throw: Kripal Singh (Chd) 55m.
Women: 400m: Devyaniba Zala (Guj) 53.37s; 1500m: Pooja (Har) 4:10.68s; pole vault: Baranica Elangovan (TN) 4.10m (EMR — Pavithra Venkatesh, 4.10m, Bhubaneswar, 2023); shot put: Kachnar Chaudhary (Raj) 15.75m.
Published – August 21, 2025 09:24 pm IST
