New Era, New Record as India has a New 4×100 Relay national record
It took 15 years, but on a bright day in Chandigarh at the 2nd Indian Open Relay Competition 2025, history was rewritten.
The Reliance quartet of Gurindervir Singh, Animesh Kujur, Manikanta Hoblidhar, and Amlan Borgohain blazed through the track in 38.69 seconds, smashing the long-standing Indian national record in the men’s 4x100m relay.
The previous record of 38.89s, set during the 2010 Commonwealth Games, finally gave way to a newer, faster generation that’s roaring into the global conversation.
The Race That Redefined an Era
With a perfect blend of explosive starts, tight baton exchanges, and a blistering anchor leg, the quartet stunned the home crowd at the Indian Open Relays.
What made this feat even more special was the fact that this wasn’t just a national mark—it was also the fastest time recorded in Asia this season, instantly placing India among the continent’s top sprinting nations in 2025.
Their 38.69s timing would have even earned them a spot on the podium at the 2022 Asian Games, underlining the potential this unit has as the nation eyes the next cycle of major international events.
A Record That Refused to Fall—Until Now
The 4x100m record set at CWG 2010 had stood as the oldest national men’s track record in India. Back then, India not only clocked a swift 38.89s but also clinched a historic bronze medal—a performance fondly remembered as one of Indian sprinting’s finest moments.
Since then, while individual athletes have come close to glory, the baton-passing quartet event had remained just out of reach—until now.
Breaking that psychological and statistical barrier was no small task, and the significance of this achievement is amplified when seen in the context of India’s sprinting evolution.
Four Sprinters, One Dream
What makes this record even more compelling is the sheer diversity of talent that powered it.
- Gurindervir Singh (Punjab): The explosive starter, whose raw power gives the team an immediate edge out of the blocks.
- Animesh Kujur (Chhattisgarh): A growing force in Indian sprinting, Kujur’s precision in baton transitions is unmatched.
- Manikanta Hoblidhar (Karnataka): Known for his consistency and top-end speed, Manikanta handled the curve with grace and pace.
- Amlan Borgohain (Assam): The former national record holder in 100m and 200m, Borgohain anchored the team with a trademark burst of acceleration and aggression.
This team is a snapshot of India—North, East, South, and Central—united by one cause and one lane. If there was ever a moment to celebrate Indian athletics’ unity in diversity, this was it.
The Role of Reliance & Rising Relay Culture
All four athletes represent Reliance, a corporate-backed initiative that’s increasingly becoming a cornerstone of India’s elite track and field ecosystem. Their investment in sprint programs, scientific training, and athlete welfare is clearly bearing fruit.
What’s also heartening is the visible shift in focus toward relay events. Relay races are no longer treated as postscript events; they are now centerpiece attractions, with coaches and athletes committing to seamless baton exchanges and chemistry. This national record is a direct product of that culture shift.
Eyes Set on Bigger Stages
With a mark like 38.69s, India has every reason to dream big. The Los Angeles 2028 Olympics may still be three years away, but this performance is a clear signal that preparations are on the right track. The upcoming Asian Championships and World Relays will be key testing grounds for this quartet—or perhaps an even deeper Indian pool of sprinters.
Consistency will now be the next mountain to climb. The talent is undeniable, but sustaining this level of performance and tightening the baton transitions even further will be critical for global success.
Indian athletics just received a much-needed jolt of energy from four men whose names are now etched in the national record books—Gurindervir, Animesh, Manikanta, and Amlan. Their performance wasn’t just fast; it was symbolic.
It was a passing of the baton from the CWG 2010 generation to the present, and a message to the world that Indian sprinting is no longer a footnote—it’s front and center, and it’s coming for the podium.
38.69 seconds. One record. One future. And a relay team that’s sprinting straight into history.
