In a country known more for its prowess in cricket and wrestling, Animesh Kujur has silently and now thunderously rewritten what it means to be a sprinter in Indian athletics.
The 22-year-old from Odisha has officially stamped his name across the record books in Indian sprinting, holding all three major national records: 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m relay.
In a single season, Kujur has gone from being a promising talent to becoming the undisputed Sprint King of India, and the records tell the story.
The New Fastest Man in India 100M National Record
On July 5, 2025, at the Dromia International Sprint and Relays Meet in Vari, Greece, Animesh Kujur blazed past the competition with a sensational 10.18 seconds in the men’s 100m, breaking the previous national record of 10.20s set by Gurindervir Singh earlier this year.
This performance didn’t just mark a personal best it cemented his status as the fastest Indian sprinter in history.
This feat was particularly noteworthy considering the long-standing struggles of Indian athletes in the sub-10.20 bracket. For years, the 100m sprint was seen as a domain India couldn’t crack. But with Animesh, that ceiling has finally been breached.
200M National Record – Asian Athletics Championships 2025
Earlier in the year, at the Asian Athletics Championships 2025, Animesh created waves by running the 200m in 20.32 seconds, bettering the previous national mark and asserting himself as a genuine contender in the half-lap event as well.
While many sprinters specialize in either the 100m or the 200m, Kujur has shown equal flair and form in both, a rarity in Indian track and field
4x100M Relay Breaking a 15-Year-Old Record
As if individual dominance wasn’t enough, Animesh played a pivotal role in rewriting the national record in the 4x100m relay as well. At the National Open Relay Carnival 2025, the quartet of Gurindervir Singh, Manikanta Hoblidhar, Amlan Borgohain, and Animesh Kujur clocked an impressive 38.69 seconds, smashing a 15-year-old Indian national record.
This was more than a medal-winning run. It showcased the rising depth of sprinting talent in the country and underlined Kujur’s ability to contribute in both individual and team formats.
The Journey So Far
Animesh’s rise hasn’t been overnight. Hailing from Odisha, a state that’s become a quiet hub for Indian athletics talent, Kujur has spent years honing his craft under the guidance of national sprint coaches and performance experts. His strength lies in his explosive starts, strong top-end speed, and most importantly, consistency earning him the nickname “Mr. Consistent” within the Indian athletics circuit.
Why This Matters for Indian Athletics
India has long lacked a global face in the sprinting arena. With the exception of a few names on the continental level, Indian athletes have struggled to make it to semifinals or finals at the Olympics or World Championships. Kujur’s emergence represents a shift in mindset and preparation.
The timing is critical. With the World Championships 2025 and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics on the horizon, India now has an athlete who can break into that top-20 global list and possibly more. While Animesh’s 10.18 would still need improvement to reach Olympic finals (recent bronze medal times are around 9.90s), the current momentum is promising.
With national records in both 100m and 200m under his belt, and a strong presence in the relay squad, Animesh Kujur is now being groomed for the global stage. His next targets are expected to be:
•Breaking the 10.10-second barrier in the 100m
•Going sub-20.20 in the 200m
•Consistently making finals at Diamond League events and Asian meets
There are also whispers of him training abroad during the winter with international sprinters — a move that could sharpen his technique and exposure even further.
Final Word
In a year filled with Indian athletic brilliance from Neeraj Chopra’s home gold at the Neeraj Chopra Classic to MD Afsal breaking the 800m national record Animesh Kujur has emerged as the face of Indian sprinting.
Three national records. One name.
India’s sprint revolution has begun, and Animesh Kujur is leading the charge.
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