’15 years… I’ve waited a long time’: Krishna Jayasankar’s performance in India at the Asian Games

Krishna Jaisankar (Image credit: Agencies) Whenever Krishna Jayasankar has a little time, he opens his bag and looks at the badge on his T-shirt.It has one word written on it: INDIA.Her eyes water every time she looks at it. But it also builds a sense of trust. After 15 years of waiting, Krishna knows that when he finally dons the Indian jersey in Japan, it will mean much more than just making his Asian Games debut.For the 23-year-old baller, the jersey will represent 15 years of ups and downs, missed opportunities, injuries and countless moments where she had to pick herself up and start over.“It’s an unbelievable feeling. I can’t wait to wear that jersey in Japan. 15 years… I’ve waited a long time and yes, I’ve deserved it. I’m very appreciative, like I’m very grateful for the opportunity and to finally put Team India on my back,” Krishna said in an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com.After missing out on selection several times, Krishna finally broke through and earned her place in the Indian squad for the 2026 Asian Games.Now, as she prepares to travel to Japan, the Indian bowler wants to put past disappointments behind her and write a new chapter – one that she hopes will end with a medal.Her message to herself when she gets to Japan is simple.“Okay, show time,” Krishna said.

A long way to the Indian jersey

Krishna’s journey was never easy. There were times when she wanted to give up. She left India at a young age, moving first to Jamaica and later to the United States as she sought opportunities to develop as an athlete.Then came the opportunity of the Commonwealth Games. Krishna was among the favorites to make it to the big event, but a hamstring injury derailed her plans.She tore her hamstring just three weeks before the event. Nevertheless, she returned to competition and managed to qualify for the Asian Games. After 15 years, she also became the national champion.“I just think the fighter mentality that I have. Never give up. Never settle. Failures are for something. Failures are meant to shape you, not define you,” she said.

Paris 2024 became a turning point

The biggest flop came in 2024. An injured Krishna missed the Paris Olympics. But the difficult phase also forced her to take a close look at herself and reevaluate the way she approaches her career.She began paying more attention to her nutrition, sleep and recovery. She also started spending more time thinking and talking to herself.“It was a very difficult time for me,” she said.“I left my country, I left my family, I left my comfort zone. How much is my opportunity worth? What do I get back? I don’t make the team, I don’t compete. Why do I get hurt?” she said.This period eventually changed her approach towards her ultimate goal – to represent India.Instead of looking too far ahead, Krishna decided to take things one step at a time.“If you have a dream, you must protect it. You have a dream, you must protect it,” Krishna said.

From basketball family to shot put

Krishna grew up in a sporting family. Her parents, Prasanna and Jay Shankar, were involved in basketball and she closely watched the work they put into the development of the sport. Her mother was also the national coach for Indian basketball.But Krishna eventually chose athletics and found his own identity in the shot put.“I think my inspiration was in my corners, which is my family. Whatever I am today, it’s because of their support. I wanted to choose a different sport and I did and I’m really happy about it,” she said.“Thanks to Reliance Foundation, Athletics Federation of India, Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority and everyone in Tamil Nadu. Everyone supported me and believed in me,” said the 23-year-old.

The pursuit of Asian Games glory

Making his debut in Team India at the Asian Games is a special moment for Krishna. But she doesn’t want the excitement of finally making the team overshadow her bigger goal — winning a medal.Once in Japan, he wants to treat the competition like any other championship.“Now is the time to go, there is no looking back. I am looking forward, looking forward to the future,” she said.“It’s going to be a show, man. It’s going to be a show from all sectors of athletics. Whether it’s track, whether it’s field, we’re going to put on a show. All we ask in return is support us. Keep us in your prayers,” Krishan said.

Olympics – the ultimate dream

For Krishna, the Asian Games are not the end goal. It’s the beginning. Her biggest dream is the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.He carries the Olympic chain with him, even though he is yet to participate in the Games. It’s a reminder to her of where she wants to go.“I’m not an Olympian, but I try to be one every day. I’m sure now I can say that dream is no longer a dream. It’s like, I’m turning it into reality,” she said.

Chase for 18 meters

Krishna won the gold medal at the 2026 Federation National Cup, breaking her own record of 17.09m. She won the main prize with a personal best throw of 17.35m.Now Krishna has set a goal to clear 18 meters. He believes the 2026 Asian Games will be a great platform to achieve this feat as well as challenge for the gold medal.“I’m getting close,” she said. “But again, it’s very important to believe in the process. There’s no better place to do it than Japan. Let’s do a PB in Japan. I know I’m a medal contender,” she said. “So the mindset also is we’re going in and be like, you know what, I’m going as a medal contender, not as a participant,” she said.Bodyshaming: Turning comments into powerKrishna was muscular from childhood. Her appearance sometimes made her uncomfortable. She felt that she did not conform to what she believed to be society’s traditional idea of ​​what a woman should look like.“I didn’t even know what body shaming was until, you know, somebody came up and said, 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 a place in Team India.“To show the world, to show the society that the body that you make fun of and make me feel ashamed of is the body that helps me break records, is the body that helps me make my debut for Team India at the Asian Games,” she said.Her message to young girls is direct.“Be confident in who you are. Don’t change for someone. It also has another message: don’t live for other people’s approval. Don’t seek validation from people, because again, comparison is the thief of joy,” she said.

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‘Dreams come true’

With 15 years of pain behind her, Krishna is ready to write a new chapter in Japan. As she steps into the bowling ring with a bat in hand, the 23-year-old might be reminded of the 18-year-old version of herself who first dared to dream of representing India.Asked what she would say to 18-year-old Krishna, the 23-year-old replied: “Dreams do come true.”“Know that your story is not just your journey. It’s the story of so many untold stories. There are so many people who look up to you. If you have a dream, you damn well protect it,” Krishna signed off.