Vishal T.K. of Tamil Nadu won the 400m gold in 44.98s in the 29th National Senior Athletics Federation Competition 2026 at Birsa Munda stadium holds a piece of paper with ‘44 COMING HOME’ written on it in Ranchi on Satuday, 23 May 2026.
| Photo Credit: RITU RAJ KONWAR
Exuding confidence after becoming the first Indian to clock a sub-45 seconds time, quartermiler Vishal T.K. said his positive mindset was the key to his success.
The 22-year-old, who owned the National record (45.12) prior to the Federation athletics meet at the Birsa Munda Stadium (Morabadi) here, rose to the occassion and scripted history by clocking 44.98.
His result was a combination of hard work and manifestation as he pulled out a piece of paper with ‘44 COMING HOME’ written on it.
Vishal T.K. of Tamil Nadu celebrates after winning the men’s 400m gold in 44.98s in the 29th National Senior Athletics Federation Competition 2026 at Birsa Munda stadium in Ranchi on Satuday, 23 May 2026.
| Photo Credit:
RITU RAJ KONWAR
“I feel proud. I did this for my country. I trained hard, it’s always behind the scenes. Competition is easier..I missed the Commonwealth Games qualification (narrowly). God has some other plans. I’ll work hard and come again,” said Vishal.
Vishal credited his coach Jason Dawson, who’s like a father figure to him, for inculcating a strong mindset in him. “I made up my mind, read my race, visualised it…Visualization is a part of the work. You’ve already run a race in the mind.
“It becomes easier…This is my coach’s mindset which I have. He taught me a lot. I’m still learning from him.
“It’s not about the conditions, it’s about the mindset. I can run on the sea also. We’ve to be positive.”
C. Latha, a former 800m National champion and the secretary of the Tamil Nadu Athletics Association, which supported Vishal in his formative years, was excited. “We expected him to clock 44 seconds at the Indian Open 400m Meet at Thiruvananthapuram (in March). But his coach said Vishal would peak for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
“I expected both Vishal and Rajesh Ramesh, who has been consistent for the last four years, to go below 45. I came with a poster for them but was disappointed. I’m sure both will do 44 at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games and win medals,” said Latha.
Looking at a bigger picture, Vishal liked the keen competition among Indian quartermilers. “India is here to compete. We’re coming. Five of us competed (clocking 45 seconds or less). I’m happy for them. They’re also working hard. Hopefully, next year, 44 will be easier,” said Vishal.
Published – May 24, 2026 06:05 pm IST
