All eyes turn to Dubai this evening as the UAE Grand Prix 2025 lights up with a thrilling sprint showdown — featuring some of South Asia’s fastest men.
The star-studded Indian quartet of Gurindervir Singh, Animesh Kujur, Manikanta Hoblidhar, and Amlan Borgohain — fresh off their record-breaking performance at the Indian Open Relays — is set to compete in both the individual 100m and the 4x100m relay on May 9th.
Just weeks ago, the Indian foursome clocked 38.69 seconds, smashing a 15-year-old national record. That performance not only signaled their rise as a formidable unit but also put them on the global radar heading into the 2025 season. Now, the stage shifts to the UAE, where the competition gets even more intense.
The Showdown: India vs Sri Lanka in Men’s Sprint Events
India won’t have it easy. Lining up against them in the relay and 100m is Yupun Abeykoon, Sri Lanka’s sprint sensation and the only South Asian to ever break the 10-second barrier in the 100m.
Joining Yupun in the Sri Lankan 4x100m squad are Chamod Yodhasinghe, Merone Mendis, Deneth Silva, and Chamoth Yatawara — a formidable lineup with serious top-end speed.
While India’s relay squad has momentum, Sri Lanka boasts experience and the rare sub-10 pedigree through Yupun, who is aiming to return to top form ahead of the World Championships and Paris Diamond League circuit.
Full Indian Schedule at UAE Grand Prix (May 9)
19:30 PM – Women’s Triple Jump:
- Niharika Vashisht opens the evening for India in the field.
20:30 PM – Men’s 100m Heats:
- Amlan Borgohain, Animesh Kujur, Gurindervir Singh, and Manikanta Hoblidhar will all feature — a perfect tune-up before the relay.
- They will go head-to-head with Yupun Abeykoon and Chamod Yodhasinghe, testing their starts, speed maintenance, and mental sharpness under pressure.
21:20 PM – Men’s 800m:
- Mohammed Afsal will represent India in a high-quality field.
21:30 PM – Women’s Hammer Throw:
- All eyes on Harshita Sehrawat as she builds toward Asian qualification marks.
21:40 PM – Men’s 200m:
- Animesh Kujur and Amlan Borgohain return to the track for their second sprint of the evening.
- Amlan, the national record holder in 200m, is expected to go all out to reclaim rhythm in the international circuit.
22:00 PM – Women’s Long Jump:
- India fields a strong trio with Shaili Singh, Ancy Sojan, and Moumita Mondal — a promising contest with three world-ranking athletes.
22:40 PM – Men’s 4x100m Relay:
- Amlan, Animesh, Gurindervir, Manikanta reunite for their record-holding combo.
- They face off against Sri Lanka’s best, led by Yupun.
- This event could well be the most electrifying of the night — and an early preview of what could unfold at the Asian Championships and World Relays.
The UAE Grand Prix is a vital marker on the 2025 calendar. It offers crucial ranking points, timing benchmarks, and international exposure just ahead of the qualification windows for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo and the 2026 Asian Games.
For India’s sprinters, it’s a chance to measure themselves against elite regional opposition — and reinforce that their national record was no one-off. With consistency and experience, they can begin closing the gap on the global 4x100m standard.
Meanwhile, the dual entries of Amlan and Animesh in the 100m and 200m show the growing confidence in their endurance and sprint strength — both key to anchoring relay legs effectively.
Emerging Faces in Field Events
While the sprints will attract headlines, the women’s long jump and hammer throw also feature important Indian prospects. Shaili Singh, aiming to breach the 6.70m mark consistently, will use this platform to sharpen for global competition.
Similarly, Harshita Sehrawat continues to push toward national record territory in the hammer throw.
As Indian athletics builds momentum ahead of the global summer, the UAE Grand Prix presents a crucial test — not just of speed, but of composure, team cohesion, and competitive sharpness.
Will India’s record-breaking relay squad continue their ascent? Can Amlan and Animesh challenge South Asia’s fastest man? Will Indian jumpers and throwers rise to the occasion?
All answers will begin to unfold under the Dubai lights tonight.
Good luck to all Indian athletes!
