The 2025 Indian Grand Prix (IGP) series resumes with its second leg tomorrow at the LNCPE Stadium in Trivandrum, and all eyes will be on Animesh Kujur, who is set to double in the 100m and 200m sprints.
With several national team members skipping the event after a packed international schedule, IGP-2 offers a great chance for India’s second-tier athletes and comeback stars to make a mark ahead of the domestic championship season.
Kujur, a regular name in India’s 4x100m relay pool, will be the star attraction in a field missing several of its regulars. With a wind-legal personal best of 20.74s in the 200m, he will be the fastest on paper across both sprint distances.
With favourable conditions expected in Trivandrum, this could be a crucial outing for the Chhattisgarh sprinter as he builds form ahead of the Inter-State Championships and National Open later this season.
Vishal TK Eyes Breakthrough in 200m
While Kujur’s form is expected to dominate the sprints, there is quiet anticipation around Vishal TK, who is listed for the 200m.
The World Athletics database shows his personal best at 21.61s from 2023, but whispers around the circuit suggest he could be ready to dip under 21.20s, given decent conditions and a clean execution.
Formerly a short sprinter, Vishal’s range could make him a late-season surprise in the national rankings if he progresses in the 200m.
Another name to watch in the men’s 100m is Lau Prashad Bhoi of Odisha, a consistent performer in zonal meets who will be aiming to close the gap on established national names.
Big Returns in the 400m
The men’s 400m will see a much deeper field, with several national campers entered. Jay Kumar, Tushar Manna, Rince Josheph, Dharamveer, and Mohit are all confirmed to start.
Notably absent are India’s top two quarter-milers from the World Relays – T. Santosh and Vishal (not to be confused with Vishal TK). That opens the lane for others to impress the national selectors.
Of significant interest is the name of Rajesh Ramesh, part of India’s 4x400m relay team that set the National Record at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.
Ramesh has been dealing with an injury and hasn’t raced yet in 2024. His inclusion in the entry list hints at a return to full fitness, though it remains to be seen if he will start.
Nihal Joel, another known 400m runner who’s been missing from the national scene recently, is also listed and could use this meet as a springboard back into contention.
Mohammed Afsal Returns to Home Turf
In the men’s 800m, Mohammed Afsal returns to compete just weeks after rewriting the Indian record in Bhubaneswar. The Kerala athlete broke a long-standing mark and will now race in front of a home crowd.
Afsal’s continued form will be important, as he prepares to peak for the Inter-State Championships and potentially qualify for the Paris Olympics via ranking.
Full Relay Squad in Women’s 100m
The women’s 100m will feature a complete line-up of India’s 4x100m relay squad that is being groomed for the Asian Championships and future international events.
The race includes Nithya Gandhe, Abinaya Rajarajan, Sneha S, Srabani Nanda, Dhanalakshmi Sekar, and Sudeeksha—a rare instance where so many key sprinters are competing together at a domestic meet.
This race will not only be about individual times but will also give insights into form and baton chemistry ahead of relay selections.
Hurdles & Quarter-Mile Firepower in Women’s Events
In the women’s 100m hurdles, Nithya Ramraj and Pragya Prashant return after missing out on the Asian qualifiers, joined by talented youngster Sabita Toppo, who has been making rapid improvements.
In the 400m hurdles, Vithya Ramraj and Anu R—India’s representatives at the Asian level—will look to maintain consistency. Both athletes have already clocked strong times this season and will use IGP-2 to fine-tune technique.
Meanwhile, the flat 400m will see experienced names like Jisna Mathew, Subha Venkatesan, and Prachi.
With India’s women’s 4x400m relay squad showing signs of revival internationally, individual races like these help finalize the pool heading into major meets.
While the absence of a few marquee athletes is notable, IGP-2 offers an exciting platform for India’s rising and returning stars. From Afsal’s homecoming in the 800m to Animesh Kujur’s sprint double and Vishal TK’s potential breakthrough in the 200m, there’s plenty to keep an eye on in Trivandrum.
With temperatures expected to stay moderate and wind conditions typically favorable at LNCPE, fans and selectors alike will be hoping for fast times and compelling performances.
Stay tuned for results and analysis following the conclusion of the meet.
