India’s national record-holder Vishal TK says he is entering the Glasgow Commonwealth Games with a winning mindset as the 22-year-old quarter-miler targets a medal on his debut.
Entering competition with a winning mindset, says quarter-miler Vishal TK on his Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow. Photo credit: IIS
India’s national record-holder Vishal Thennarasu Kayalvizhi (Vishal TK) says he is heading into his Commonwealth Games debut with a “winning mindset” as the 22-year-old quarter-miler looks to cap a breakthrough season with a podium finish in Glasgow.
Vishal has enjoyed a landmark year, becoming the first Indian man to break the 45-second barrier in the 400m after clocking a national record 44.98 seconds. The four-time national champion also starred at the Asian Athletics Championships, helping India win gold in the mixed 4x400m relay and silver in the men’s 4x400m relay.
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Ranked among the world’s top 60 men’s 400m runners, Vishal now arrives in Glasgow as one of India’s brightest medal prospects in the sprint events.
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As he prepares to compete at his maiden Commonwealth Games, Vishal said his focus is on delivering his best performance rather than placing limits on his ambitions.
“I’m entering the Commonwealth Games with a winning mindset. Months of hard work, honesty, discipline, consistency and self-belief have brought me to this stage, and I trust the process and my coach Jason Dawson completely.
“My focus is on performing at my highest level and making every second count on the track. I don’t set limits on what I can achieve. I believe in pushing my boundaries every time I compete. Representing India is the biggest motivation, and I’ll give everything I have to make the nation proud.”
Vishal credited the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) and his coaching team for helping him develop into one of India’s leading one-lap runners.
“Success is never an individual effort, and I’m fortunate to have an incredible team supporting me. The Inspire Institute of Sport has provided everything an athlete needs – from world-class coaching and sports science to nutrition, recovery and mental conditioning.
“Their belief in me has given me the confidence to keep improving every day. Having such a strong support system allows me to focus entirely on giving my best performance.”
Having already rewritten the national record books, Vishal believes India’s current generation of 400m runners is raising the country’s profile on the global stage.
“It’s an honour to be part of a generation that’s changing the perception of Indian athletics. We are proving that Indian athletes can compete with the best in the world.
“Every performance is about setting a new benchmark, not just for myself, but for the next generation of athletes who dream of wearing the Indian jersey.”
Reflecting on his preparations, Vishal said consistency has been the biggest takeaway from his training in recent months.
“I’ve learned to stay composed under pressure, trust my preparation and perform with confidence when it matters the most.”
The national record-holder said representing India remains the greatest honour of his career and promised to give everything on the track as he targets another milestone at the Commonwealth Games.
Having already become the first Indian man to run the 400m in under 45 seconds, Vishal now heads to Glasgow aiming to translate his record-breaking form into his first Commonwealth Games medal.
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