10.18 Seconds to History – Meet Animesh Kujur, The New Face of Indian Sprinting

Animesh Kujur, India's fastest sprinter ever, has carved a remarkable journey from a remote tribal village in Chhattisgarh to the global athletics stage. At just 22 years old, he has not only broken national records in the 100m and 200m sprints but also set a new benchmark in Indian sprinting history by becoming the first Indian to clock under 10.20 seconds in the 100m with a stunning 10.18 seconds timing. His rise symbolizes perseverance, disciplined training, and a quiet determination to rewrite India’s athletic legacy.

 

Early Life and Background:

Born on June 2, 2003, in the small village of Ghuitangar in Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh, Animesh’s early life was far removed from the flashy world of professional sports. Initially a football player, his sprinting talent was noticed during a state-level under-18 athletics tournament in Raipur. Raised in a family with both parents serving as police officers, he imbibed discipline and resilience from an early age. Admission to Sainik School Ambikapur proved a turning point, providing structure, encouragement, and exposure to competitive sports.

 

Coaching and Training Evolution:

Animesh’s raw talent caught the attention of coach Martin Owens at the Odisha Reliance Foundation Athletics High-Performance Centre (HPC). Under Owens’ mentorship, Animesh transformed from a physically robust but unrefined sprinter into a world-class athlete. Key elements of his training include:

Competitive Milestones:

In July 2025, Animesh made a landmark performance at the Dromia International Sprint and Relays Meeting in Greece by clocking 10.18 seconds in the 100m final, breaking the previous national record of 10.20 seconds. His 200m record stands at 20.32 seconds, earned with a bronze medal at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships. He also holds the national record for the 4x100m relay at 38.69 seconds.

 

These records came after a meteoric rise through domestic championships where he frequently bettered his timings and earned multiple gold medals. His participation in elite international meets like the Diamond League, where he became the first Indian in the U-23 200m category, has exposed him to world-class competition, boosting his experience and competitiveness.

 

Challenges and Mental Strength:

Animesh’s ascent has not been without hurdles. Coming from a region and background with limited sports infrastructure, he had to adapt quickly to scientific training methods and intense competition. He candidly shared struggles like dealing with health issues before big races and settling nerves amid roaring home crowds.

 

His coach emphasizes Animesh’s humility, politeness, and inner drive as key traits that have propelled his progress over talent alone. Animesh’s confidence is clear as he confidently aims for qualification at the 2025 World Athletics Championships and eyes big stages like the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

 

Future Prospects:

At the cusp of his athletic prime, Animesh Kujur is focused on incremental improvements, consistency, and gaining experience. His journey serves as an inspirational blueprint showing how determination, expert coaching, and international exposure can elevate India’s sprinting stature on the world stage.

 

With a disciplined regimen, scientific training, and strong mental fortitude, Animesh represents a new era of Indian athletics, breaking barriers and setting new standards for generations to come.

 

Source: India Today, Times of India, Olympic Channel, World Athletics, July-August 2025.