Whenever Krishna Jaisankar gets some time, she opens her kit bag and looks at the badge on her T-shirt.It has one word written on it: INDIA.Every time she looks at it, her eyes get moist. But there is also a sense of confidence that builds within her. After waiting for 15 years, Krishna knows that when she finally wears the India jersey in Japan, it will mean much more than simply making her Asian Games debut.For the 23-year-old shot putter, the jersey will represent 15 years of ups and downs, missed opportunities, injuries and countless moments when she had to pick herself up and start again.“It’s a surreal feeling. I just can’t wait to don that jersey in Japan. 15 years…. I waited for long and yes, I have earned it. I am very appreciative, like I’m very grateful for the opportunity and to be able to finally put Team India on my back,” Krishna told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.After missing out on selection several times, Krishna finally broke through and earned her place in the Indian team for the Asian Games 2026.Now, as she prepares to travel to Japan, the Indian shot putter wants to leave the old disappointments behind and write a new chapter – one that she hopes will end with a medal.Her message to herself when she reaches Japan is simple.“All right, it’s showtime,” Krishna said.
A long road to the India jersey
Krishna’s journey has never been an easy one. There were moments when she wanted to give up. She left India at a young age, first moving to Jamaica and later to the United States, as she looked for opportunities to develop as an athlete.Then came the Commonwealth Games opportunity. Krishna was among the favourites to make it to the big event, but a hamstring injury disrupted her plans.She tore her hamstring just three weeks before the event. Yet, she returned to competition and managed to qualify for the Asian Games. She also became the national champion after 15 years.“I just think the fighter mentality that I have. Never to give up. Never to settle. Setbacks are meant for something. Setbacks are supposed to mould you, but not define you,” she said.
Paris 2024 became a turning point
The biggest setback came in 2024. Marred by injuries, Krishna missed the Paris Olympics. But the difficult phase also forced her to look closely at herself and rethink the way she was approaching her career.She began paying more attention to her nutrition, sleep and recovery. She also started spending more time reflecting and talking to herself.“It was a very rough period for me,” she said.“I left my country, left my family, left my comfort zone. What does my opportunity cost? What am I getting back? I’m not making the team, I’m not competing. Why am I getting injured?” she said.That period eventually changed her approach towards her ultimate goal – representing India.Instead of looking too far ahead, Krishna decided to take things one step at a time.“If you’ve got a dream, you’ve got to protect it. You have a dream, you’ve got to protect it,” Krishna said.
From a basketball family to shot put
Krishna grew up in a sporting family. Her parents, Prasanna and Jay Shankar, have been involved in basketball, and she closely watched the work they put into developing the sport. Her mother has also been a national selector for Indian basketball.But Krishna eventually chose athletics and found her own identity in shot put.“I think my inspiration was within my corners, which is my family. Whatever I am today it is because of their support. I wanted to choose a different sport and I did and I am really happy about it,” she said.“Thanks to the Reliance Foundation, the Athletics Federation of India, the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, and everyone in Tamil Nadu. Everybody has supported me and believed in me,” the 23-year-old said.
Chasing Asian Games glory
Making her Team India debut at the Asian Games is a special moment for Krishna. But she does not want the excitement of finally making the team to overshadow her bigger target – winning a medal.Once she is in Japan, she wants to treat the competition like any other championship.“Now it’s go time, there is no look back. I am looking forward, looking ahead in the future,” she said.“It’s going to be a show, man. It’s going to be a show from all sectors of athletics. Let it be track, let it be field, we’re going to put up a show. All we ask in return, support us. Keep us in your prayers,” Krishan said.
Olympics – the ultimate dream
For Krishna, the Asian Games is not the end goal. It is a start. Her bigger dream is the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.She carries an Olympic chain with her even though she is yet to compete at the Games. For her, it is a reminder of where she wants to go.“I’m not an Olympian, but every single day I aspire to be one. I’m confident now I can say that that dream is no longer a dream. It’s like, I’m converting it to be a reality,” she said.
The chase for 18 metres
Krishna won a gold medal at the National Federation Cup 2026 and, in the process, broke her own record of 17.09m. She won the top prize with a personal best throw of 17.35m.Now, Krishna has set herself the target of crossing 18 metres. She believes the Asian Games 2026 will be a great platform to achieve that feat while also challenging for the gold medal.“I am getting closer,” she said. “But again, it’s very important to believe in the process. No better place to do it than Japan. Let’s have a PB in Japan. I know I am a medal contender,” she said. “So, the mindset also is walking into the thing and be like, you know what, I’m walking in as a medal contender, not as a participant,” she said.Bodyshaming: Turning comments into strengthKrishna has been muscular since childhood. Her appearance sometimes made her uncomfortable. She felt that she did not fit what she believed was society’s traditional idea of how a woman should look.“I didn’t even know the meaning of body shaming until, you know, somebody came and told me, hey, somebody’s body shaming you,” she said.But over the years, Krishna learned to see her body differently. The same body that some people made fun of became the body that helped her break records and earn her place in Team India.“To show the world, to show the society, that the body that you’re making fun of and making me feel that I’m ashamed of is the body that’s helping me break records, is the body that’s helping me debut for Team India at the Asian Games,” she said.Her message to young girls is direct.“Be confident in who you are. Do not change yourself for somebody. She also has another message: do not live for other people’s approval. Do not seek validation from people because again, comparison is a thief of joy,” she said.
‘Dreams do come true’
With 15 years of pain now behind her, Krishna is ready to write a new chapter in Japan. When she steps into the throwing circle with the shot in her hand, the 23-year-old will perhaps remember the 18-year-old version of herself who first dared to dream of representing India.Asked what she would say to the 18-year-old Krishna, the 23-year-old replied: “Dreams do come true”.“Know that your story is not just your journey. It’s a story of so many untold stories. There are so many people that look up to you. If you have a dream, you bloody protect it,” Krishna signed off.
