Asian Games 2026: Thowfeeq Noushad Withdraws From Decathlon as Tejaswin Shankar Continues to Lead After Six Events

Noushad was absent from the 110m hurdles, the sixth event of the gruelling 10-event competition, and was subsequently withdrawn from the final standings. He had begun his decathlon campaign on Saturday alongside Shankar, competing in the 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump and 400m on the opening day. The second day began with the 110m hurdles before the athletes move into the discus throw, pole vault, javelin and 1500m.

Why did Thowfeeq Noushad withdraw?

The reason behind Noushad’s withdrawal remains unclear. The Alappuzha-born athlete was on 3,676 points after five rounds, and was among the ones fighting to enter into the top five, but his withdrawal cause remains unknown as of now. Injury may well be a part of his decision.

Tejaswin Shankar maintains Lead

Shankar, meanwhile, has maintained his position at the top after the hurdles. The Indian national record holder has accumulated 5,270 points, putting him ahead of China’s Chen Xinghua (5,223) and Japan’s Yuma Maruyama (5,163).

The 110m hurdles marked a significant point in Shankar’s campaign after he had built his advantage across the opening five disciplines. He had started the competition with 10.98 seconds in the 100m, earning 865 points. He then produced a strong 7.53m in the long jump, adding 942 points and moving into second place at that stage.

Shankar entered the competition with considerable expectations after winning silver in the decathlon at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where he finished with 7,666 points. He is now attempting to go one better in Aichi-Nagoya.

With four events remaining – discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw and 1500m – Shankar remains firmly in contention for the podium. The final stages will test his consistency across both throwing and endurance disciplines as he attempts to convert his current lead into an Asian Games medal.