Indian Sprinters Ready for Big Test at Saudi Athletics Grand Prix as Animesh Kujur Headlines Action

Indian athletics will have a strong presence at the Saudi Athletics Grand Prix in Riyadh as several of the country’s leading sprinters and middle-distance runners prepare to compete across multiple events on May 15-16.

The World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze meet has attracted competitive international fields, providing Indian athletes an important opportunity to test themselves against global opposition early in the season. The spotlight will firmly be on India’s fastest man Animesh Kujur, who is set to compete in both the men’s 100m and 200m, while the Indian men’s 4x100m relay team will also take the track later in the evening.

Animesh Kujur enters the meet carrying significant momentum after establishing himself as India’s fastest-ever sprinter.

The Indian will line up in the men’s 200m final against a strong field led by Great Britain’s Toby Harries, a member of the British 4x100m relay squad that secured bronze at the 2024 Olympic Games. Harries also enters the race as the fastest athlete in the field, setting up a high-quality contest. For Animesh, the Riyadh meet presents another important benchmark in his rapid development as a senior sprinter. His ability to consistently compete against elite international athletes has become one of the defining features of his recent rise.

Conditions in Riyadh are expected to favour fast sprinting, and another strong performance could further strengthen his growing reputation on the continental circuit.

India’s men’s 4x100m relay team will also be under focus as the quartet of Animesh Kujur, Gurindervir Singh, Pranav Gurav, and Harsh Raut takes the track tonight. Drawn in Lane 4, India will compete against teams from Turkey, Kuwait, and hosts Saudi Arabia.

The relay gains added importance given India’s continued push to improve sprint relay standards internationally. Over the last few seasons, Indian sprinting has shown visible progress individually, but translating that improvement into relay consistency remains a major target. With multiple national-level sprinters now running competitive timings, the Saudi Athletics Grand Prix offers an opportunity to build chemistry and sharpen baton exchanges under race conditions.

Krishik M Continues His Rise in 110m Hurdles

Another athlete attracting attention is Krishik M, who will compete in the men’s 110m hurdles. Krishik heads into the race after producing a major breakthrough performance in his previous outing, where he clocked a huge lifetime best to become India’s second-fastest athlete ever in the event.

The Riyadh field presents a serious challenge. Kendry Menendez enters as the fastest athlete in the race, having recently clocked a wind-assisted 13.14 seconds and owning a lifetime best of 13.28 seconds. Dutch national champion Job Geerds also adds depth to the competition. For Krishik, the objective will not only be to remain competitive but also to continue lowering his timings. Indian men’s hurdles has historically lacked consistent international-level depth, making his recent progression particularly significant.

India will have four sprinters competing in the men’s 100m event. Animesh Kujur and former national record holder Gurindervir Singh have been placed in Heat 1, while Pranav Gurav and Harsh Raut will feature in Heat 2.

The race provides an important opportunity for India’s sprint group to measure itself against international competition. Gurindervir’s experience combined with Animesh’s current form gives India a strong presence in the event, while Pranav and Harsh continue to gain exposure at the senior international level.

Middle-distance specialist Mohammed Afsal will also be in action in Riyadh. India’s national record holder in the men’s 800m enjoyed a breakthrough 2025 season, during which he broke the national record twice before eventually clocking a lifetime best of 1:44.93 seconds. In doing so, he became the first Indian athlete to run sub-1:45 in the event.

https://www.indiasportshub.com/articles/indian-athletes-set-for-saudi-athletics-grand-prix-2026-afsal-kujur-lead-strong-squad

His 2026 season has already started positively, with Afsal breaking India’s 800m short track record earlier this year with a timing of 1:47.86.

The Saudi Athletics Grand Prix now offers another opportunity to continue building rhythm ahead of a crucial international season.

India Schedule – Saudi Athletics Grand Prix (IST)

• 9:20 PM IST – Mohammed Afsal (Men’s 800m)

• 9:55 PM IST – Men’s 100m Heats

  • Heat 1: Animesh Kujur, Gurindervir Singh

  • Heat 2: Pranav Gurav, Harsh Raut

• 10:35 PM IST – Krishik M (Men’s 110m Hurdles)

• 10:55 PM IST – Animesh Kujur (Men’s 200m Final)

• 11:40 PM IST – India Men’s 4x100m Relay Team

With several national record holders and emerging talents in action, the Saudi Athletics Grand Prix could prove to be another important step in India’s growing sprint and middle-distance ambitions on the international stage.

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