Glasgow CWG: Quarter-miler Vishal TK to make his debut with the aim of winning
Mumbai: Vishal Thennarasu Kayalvizhi (Vishal TK)—the first Indian to clock under 45 seconds in the 400m race—aims to make a spectacular season even more memorable by winning a medal at his debut Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The Indian quarter-miler heads to the CWG following a historic season that has established him as one of the country’s finest sprinting talents.
The 22-year-old Vishal made history earlier this year by becoming the first Indian man to break the 45-second barrier in the 400m race. He set the current Indian national record in the event with a time of 44.98 seconds. A four-time national champion, Vishal has rapidly emerged as one of Asia’s leading quarter-milers. He will take to the track in Glasgow buoyed by the confidence gained from a stellar season.
Success at the continental level has further highlighted his remarkable journey. Vishal played a pivotal role in the victories of India’s relay teams at the Asian Athletics Championships, where the squad secured gold in the mixed 4x400m relay and silver in the men’s 4x400m relay.
Ranked among the world’s top 60 male 400m runners, the 22-year-old Vishal is one of India’s brightest prospects in sprint events, as the nation seeks to continue its resurgence in this discipline.
As he prepares to represent India at one of the world’s premier multi-sport events, Vishal says his sole focus is on delivering his best performance when it matters most.
“I am heading into the Commonwealth Games with a winning mindset. Months of hard work, sincerity, discipline, consistency, and self-belief have brought me to this stage. I have complete faith in the process and in my coach, Jason Dawson.
“My focus is on performing at my peak and making every second on the track count.” “I don’t set limits on my achievements. I believe that every time I compete, I must push beyond my boundaries.” Vishal said, “Representing India is the greatest motivation, and I will give it my all to make the country proud.”
Vishal considers the role of the ‘Inspire Institute of Sport’ (IIS) pivotal in his journey, noting that the support system around him has helped him prepare for the challenges of major international competitions.
He said, “Success is never achieved through individual effort alone, and I am fortunate to have the backing of a fantastic team. The Inspire Institute of Sport has catered to every need of an athlete—be it world-class coaching and sports science, or nutrition, recovery, and mental conditioning. Their faith in me has given me the confidence to improve every day. Having such a strong support system allows me to focus entirely on delivering my best performance.”
The recent surge in Indian men’s 400m athletics has been one of the country’s greatest success stories, with Indian athletes consistently challenging the world’s best. Having already broken the national record, Vishal believes he is part of a generation committed to setting new milestones and inspiring the next generation of Indian athletes.
He added, “It is an honor to be part of a generation that is changing perceptions about Indian athletics. We are proving that Indian athletes can compete with the best in the world, and that is deeply motivating. The goal of every performance is to set a new benchmark—not just for myself, but also for the next generation of athletes who dream of wearing the Indian jersey.” “I hope my journey inspires many other young talents to believe that no dream is too big.”
Speaking about his preparations, Vishal noted that consistency has been the key factor in his training over recent months. He said, “The primary focus has been on consistency—whether at a physical, mental, or technical level. The goal of every training session has been to learn how to become stronger and faster, and to prepare better for major stages. I have grown not just as an athlete, but also as a competitor. I have learned to remain calm under pressure, trust my preparation, and perform with confidence during crucial moments.”
With the Glasgow competition fast approaching, Vishal says that representing India is the greatest honor of his career.
“Wearing the Indian jersey means far more than just representing the country; it is about carrying the dreams and hopes of millions of people. Whenever I step onto the track, I compete with a deep sense of pride and responsibility. Thank you to everyone back home for believing in me. Your encouragement gives me strength, and I promise to give it my all on the track. Please continue to support Indian athletics, as we are creating something truly special together.”
Having already etched his name in the history of Indian athletics as the national record holder in the men’s 400m—and the first Indian to clock a sub-45-second time in the event—Vishal now stands at another significant milestone in his career. With four national titles, continen…
