Hurdler Shirse won't compete in Asian Games, played CWG stress fractures on foot
Indian hurdler Tejas Shirse has announced he will miss the upcoming Asian Games due to two stress fractures in his left foot. He expressed regret over his decision to compete in the Commonwealth Games despite the injury.
Why it matters
The story highlights the physical toll of professional sports and the difficult decisions athletes face regarding injury management and career longevity.
India's 110m hurdles star Tejas Shirse on Tuesday (August 4, 2026) revealed that he will not be able to compete in the upcoming Asian Games in Japan as he participated in the recently-concluded Commonwealth Games with "two stress fractures" on his left foot.
Shirse became the first Indian to reach the 110m hurdles finals in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, with a time of 13.76 seconds.
But running with a heavily taped foot, Shirse finished last in an eight-men field, clocking 15.39 seconds while grimacing in pain.
"This isn't the post I dreamed of writing. I thought I'd be holding a medal. This was the time I was prepared to win. Instead, I'm holding MRI reports," Shirse wrote in a touching Instagram post.
"Two stress fractures in my left foot. A dream paused. A season over," he added.
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