Mohammed Afsal Breaks National 800m Record, India’s Sprinters Shine Bright at UAE Grand Prix 2025
The UAE Grand Prix 2025 witnessed a power-packed performance from Indian athletes, headlined by Mohammed Afsal, who broke the long-standing Indian national record in the men’s 800m.
His effort, combined with standout sprints, solid relay teamwork, and consistent performances across jumps and throws, marked a highly successful outing for India at the World Athletics Continental Tour meet.
Mohammed Afsal Breaks National Record in 800m — But Left Out of Asian Championships
Kerala’s Mohammed Afsal etched his name into Indian athletics history by clocking 1:45.61 in the men’s 800m, breaking Jinson Johnson’s national record of 1:45.65 set at the 2018 Asian Games. The race was electric, and Afsal showed remarkable tactical maturity and a powerful finishing kick in a high-quality field.
Afsal’s time now ranks him 4th on the 2025 Asian season list, a testament to the kind of form he’s carrying. However, despite his record-breaking run and having met the Asian Championships qualifying mark (1:46.70) in the Federation Cup heats, Afsal was not included in the Indian squad for the Asian Championships.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has faced criticism for its selection policy, which only considered the top two finishers in the Fed Cup final, where Afsal placed 4th.
It’s a glaring omission — especially when an in-form athlete not only meets the qualifying criteria but goes on to break a national record.
With continental honours and Olympic qualification standards in mind, this exclusion could prove costly, both for the athlete and Indian middle-distance aspirations.
India’s 4x100m Men’s Relay Team Strikes Gold
In one of the most exciting moments of the meet, the Indian men’s 4x100m relay team stormed to gold, clocking an impressive 38.76s.
The quartet — Gurindervir Singh, Animesh Kujur, Manikanta Hoblidhar, and Amlan Borgohain — continued their red-hot form, having set a new national record (38.69s) in their previous race.
Their back-to-back sub-39 performances not only underline consistency but also signal India’s rising prominence in Asian sprinting.
Equally impressive was India’s second relay team, which clinched the bronze medal with 39.30s, showing the country’s growing sprinting depth.
Animesh Kujur: India’s 200m Star Continues His Rise
Animesh Kujur is emerging as the breakout sprint star of 2025. After recently breaking the national 200m record with a 20.40s run, the 21-year-old clocked 20.45s in UAE — the second-fastest time ever by an Indian and a new meet record.
Kujur’s consistency in dipping below 20.50s is a rarity in Indian sprinting, and his ability to deliver under pressure makes him one to watch ahead of the 2026 Asian Games and beyond.
Mohammed Sinan Records 400m Personal Best
Mohammed Sinan added to India’s impressive sprinting narrative by clocking a personal best of 46.67s in the men’s 400m, earning him a second-place finish. Sinan, who had also competed at the Indian Open in Ranchi earlier this season, showed improvement in race strategy and strength.
His timing is a strong early-season marker and sets a promising tone for the remainder of 2025.
Field Events: P David, Shaili Singh Shine
In the men’s long jump, P David, one of India’s most consistent performers, secured gold with a best leap of 7.78m. The jump may not have touched his season’s best, but it was enough to claim top honours at the WACT bronze-level competition.
In the women’s long jump, Shaili Singh and Ancy Sojan added to India’s medal tally. Shaili leaped to 6.44m, securing the silver medal, while Ancy recorded 6.33m for bronze.
Both athletes are currently preparing for tougher competitions ahead, and their performances here will boost their confidence going into the next phase of the season.
Triple Jump and Hammer Throw: Women Make Their Mark
In the women’s triple jump, Poorva Sawant and Niharika Vashisht produced solid efforts. Poorva jumped 13.09m, finishing third, while Niharika came fifth with 13.05m — both displaying consistency around the 13m mark, an encouraging sign in a technical event that demands rhythm and explosiveness.
In the hammer throw, Harshita Sherawat threw 61.39m, finishing sixth. While the mark wasn’t a personal best, it was a credible effort in an international field and offers her a base to build on through the year.
Conclusion: UAE Grand Prix a Mixed Bag of Glory and Frustration
India’s showing at the UAE Grand Prix 2025 was marked by record-breaking runs, emerging sprint talent, and key podium finishes in jumps and throws. However, Mohammed Afsal’s exclusion from the Asian Championships squad remains the talking point. His case exposes the need for more flexible, performance-based selection criteria, especially when athletes are achieving global benchmarks.
Nevertheless, the signs are overwhelmingly positive. From the sprint relay squads to individual events across track and field, Indian athletics is on an upward curve — but governance and selection transparency must evolve to match the athletes’ excellence on the field.
Indian Medalist at UAE Grand Prix
Gold – Indian men’s 4*100m team A – 38.76s
Gold – Animesh Kujur – Men’s 200m – 20.45s
Gold – P David – Men’s Long Jump – 7.78m
Silver – Shaili Singh – Women’s Long Jump – 6.44m
Silver – Mohammed Afsal – Men’s 800m – 1:45.61s
Silver – Mohamed Sinan – men’s 400m – 46.67s
Bronze – Poorva Sawant – Women’s triple Jump – 13.09m
Bronze – Indian men’s 4*100m team B – 39.30s
Bronze – Ancy Sojan – Women’s Long Jump – 6.33m
