Tejas Shirse Reveals He Ran Commonwealth Games Final With Two Stress Fractures

India's leading hurdler Tejas Shirse has revealed that he competed in the 110m hurdles final at the Commonwealth Games despite suffering two stress fractures in his left foot, bringing a heartbreaking end to what had been a promising season.

The 22-year-old athlete disclosed that he only realised something was seriously wrong during the warm-up before the final but decided to race despite the pain. Medical scans conducted after the event later confirmed the severity of the injury, forcing him to end his season and rule himself out of the upcoming Asian Games.

Key Highlights

• Tejas Shirse competed in the Commonwealth Games final with two stress fractures in his left foot.
• The Indian hurdler discovered the injury after the race through MRI scans.
• The injury has ruled him out of the 2026 Asian Games.
• Shirse said this marks the ninth major competition he has missed due to injury.
• The 22-year-old vowed to return stronger despite the setback.

Injury Struck Before the Final

Shirse had looked in impressive form after qualifying for the 110m hurdles final, clocking 13.76 seconds in the heats to finish third and secure his place in the medal race.

However, during the warm-up before the final, the athlete sensed something was wrong with his left foot.

Despite experiencing pain, he chose to compete, believing years of preparation made it impossible to walk away before the starting gun.

MRI Revealed Two Stress Fractures

Following the race, medical examinations confirmed that Shirse had suffered two stress fractures in his left foot.

The diagnosis brought his season to an immediate end.

Sharing the update on social media, the hurdler described the emotional impact of seeing MRI reports instead of preparing for upcoming international competitions.

Responds to Social Media Criticism

After videos of him struggling during the race circulated online, some users questioned why he slowed down and limped near the finish.

Addressing those reactions, Shirse clarified that his performance was not due to finishing behind the field but because he was racing with a broken foot.

He said he wanted people to understand the physical reality behind the images rather than make assumptions about his effort.

Asian Games Dream Ends

One of the biggest consequences of the injury is missing the Asian Games, scheduled to be held later this year.

Shirse described missing the continental event as one of the hardest moments of his career, especially after successfully qualifying for the competition.

According to the athlete, this is the ninth major tournament he has been forced to miss because of injury.

A Difficult End to a Promising Campaign

Shirse's campaign had started on a positive note with a strong qualification performance.

However, the injury ultimately prevented him from challenging for a medal in the final, where Jamaica's Demario Prince claimed the gold medal with a time of 13.17 seconds.

India experienced mixed fortunes in athletics during the Commonwealth Games, with some athletes narrowly missing finals while para-athletes delivered impressive medal-winning performances.

Looking Ahead

Despite the disappointment, Shirse said he is not seeking sympathy and remains determined to return stronger after completing his recovery.

The hurdler expressed confidence that this difficult chapter would not define his career and promised to focus on rehabilitation before making his comeback.

Why This Matters

Tejas Shirse has emerged as one of India's brightest sprint hurdles prospects in recent years.

His absence from the Asian Games is a setback for Indian athletics, but his determination to return underscores the resilience required at the highest level of international sport.

The incident also highlights the physical sacrifices elite athletes often make while competing on the biggest stages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What injury did Tejas Shirse suffer?

Tejas Shirse revealed he competed with two stress fractures in his left foot, which were confirmed through MRI scans after the Commonwealth Games final.

2. Will Tejas Shirse compete in the Asian Games?

No. The injury has ruled him out of the upcoming 2026 Asian Games.

3. When did Tejas Shirse realise he was injured?

He said he first experienced significant pain during the warm-up before the Commonwealth Games final but decided to race despite the discomfort.

4. How many major events has Tejas Shirse missed because of injuries?

According to the athlete, this will be the ninth major competition he has missed due to injuries.

5. Who won the Commonwealth Games 110m hurdles final?

Jamaica's Demario Prince won the gold medal with a time of 13.17 seconds.