Tejaswin Shankar makes it to Commonwealth Games squad

Sprinter M.Y. Jilna has also been included in the Women's 4x100m relay team.

Indian high jumper Tejaswin Shankar has been included in the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2022 starting from July 28. His name was suggested as a replacement for quarter-miler Arokia Rajiv, who withdrew from the National Inter-State Athletics Championships due to illness.

Shankar’s name was suggested after the last date; therefore, the Organising Committee of Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 rejected his inclusion earlier. However, on Friday, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) informed the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) that the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has cleared Tejaswin Shankar’s entry and he will be included in the Indian squad in the upcoming games.

Speaking about the decision, Shankar said, "I am at a loss of words, I can’t say now whether I am happy or sad. It has been a roller-coaster of emotions. I can’t believe it even now that I have been cleared for the CWG. I can’t say I am surprised or shocked. It has been ‘haan aur naa.’ It has been like that for five to six times, so it is hard to believe."

On being asked about the expectation of a medal, the 23-year-old said, "I have endured a lot and I need to pick up the pieces. I am not thinking about medal or even the competition itself. I can only say that I will give my best at the Games." He further added, "I have to first complete visa formalities as I have not done anything. Hopefully, it will be done on time."

Apart from Shankar, M.Y. Jilna’s name has also been included in the squad for the women’s 4x100m relay. She was named in the initial list but was later dropped to stick to the number of berth by the IOA.

Tejaswin Shankar, who was facing all the hassles in the past month, is now raring to go at the upcoming CWG 2022. His tough time is not less than a tough practice session. Who knows, this might have become the reason for India’s historic medal in the High Jump event.

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