From Army Aspirant to Asian Games Medalist: T.S. Manu’s Unexpected Journey

When T.S. Manu first started running seriously, becoming an international athlete was not his main goal. The young sprinter from Wayanad was preparing for Army recruitment when athletics gradually changed the direction of his life.

At the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, the 24-year-old helped India win silver in the mixed 4×400-metre relay, running alongside M.R. Poovamma, Vishal T.K. and Vithya Ramraj.

A Different Beginning

Manu grew up in Karinkanikunnu near Muttil in Kerala’s Wayanad district. He was studying for a BTech degree at Vidya Academy of Science and Technology in Thrissur when athletics became an important part of his life.

Rather than beginning with the ambition of becoming a professional athlete, he initially trained while preparing for Army recruitment.

His performances on the track eventually attracted the attention of coach Rajamohan at the Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education. Manu has credited his coach with helping transform him from a college student into a competitive sprinter.

The Call That Changed His Direction

Under Rajamohan’s guidance, Manu developed as a 400-metre runner and began competing at higher levels.

He had already won gold in the mixed 4x400m relay at the 2022 Asian U20 Championships, but the Asian Games represented a much bigger stage.

In Nagoya, he became part of an Indian quartet that fought its way to silver in a tightly contested final. India finished in 3:14.46, just 0.08 seconds ahead of Vietnam.

An Emotional Call Home

Immediately after the race, Manu called his parents and his coach.

He later said that they were emotional and extremely happy about the result. For Manu, their support had been an important part of his transition from a student preparing for the Army to an athlete competing for India.

He also expressed gratitude to his parents for supporting him as his athletic career developed.

More Than One Medal

The Asian Games silver was not simply an individual achievement. It came from a relay team in which every runner had a different role.

Manu ran the third leg after Poovamma and Vishal, before Vithya Ramraj produced the final leg that moved India into second place.

The medal continued India’s record of reaching the podium in the mixed 4x400m relay at three consecutive Asian Games.

A New Goal

Manu’s story is still developing. What began as athletic training alongside preparations for Army recruitment has taken him onto the Asian Games podium.

His journey shows how an unexpected opportunity, combined with support from family and a dedicated coach, can lead an athlete toward a completely different future.

Sources

• The New Indian Express — “Wayanad youth Manu sprints to Asian Games podium” — September 25, 2026
• Telangana Today — “Asian Games 2026: India win silver in thrilling mixed 4x400m relay final” — September 24, 2026
• NDTV Profit — “Asian Games 2026: India Win Silver In Mixed 4x400m Relay After Stunning Fightback” — September 24, 2026