Blazing Glory! Animesh Kujur Smashes 100m National Record, Becomes First Indian to Break the 10.2-Second Barrier…Read More…
In an electrifying moment that has etched itself into Indian sporting history, 22-year-old Animesh Kujur shattered the national record in the men’s 100 meters, clocking an astonishing 10.19 seconds—making him the first Indian sprinter to run under 10.2 seconds.
The historic run unfolded on Sunday evening at the Indian Grand Prix Final in Bengaluru, as a packed crowd at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium erupted in thunderous applause. The stadium, lit by the golden hue of the setting sun and charged with anticipation, witnessed what may now be remembered as a turning point in Indian athletics.
A Moment for the Ages
Kujur, who hails from Chhattisgarh, blazed past the finish line with a confidence and power that belied his age. The stadium timer froze at 10.19, and for a few moments, there was a stunned silence. Then the crowd, realizing what had just happened, erupted. Coaches hugged each other, fans wept tears of joy, and even rival athletes joined in the celebration.
The previous national record of 10.26 seconds, held by Amiya Kumar Mallick since 2016, stood untouched for nearly a decade. But in one sensational sprint, Kujur rewrote the history books and sent out a message: Indian sprinting has arrived on the global stage.
“I Dreamt of This Moment”
“I’ve dreamt of this since I was a child,” Kujur told reporters after the race, his voice cracking with emotion. “To finally do it, and to do it on home soil, in front of my people, means everything to me.”
Kujur’s eyes brimmed with tears as he draped himself in the Indian tricolor. “When I saw the clock stop at 10.19, I didn’t believe it at first. I had to look at the screen twice. Then it hit me—I’d done what no Indian has done before.”
The race was not only a record-breaker but also a World Championship qualifier. With the qualifying mark for the 2025 World Athletics Championships set at 10.22 seconds, Kujur has now secured his spot to compete against the best sprinters in the world later this year in Tokyo.
From Humble Beginnings
Animesh Kujur’s journey to this historic feat is as inspirational as his speed. Raised in the small town of Jashpur in Chhattisgarh, Kujur grew up chasing dreams that often seemed too distant. With limited access to facilities, he trained on dusty tracks and often borrowed shoes to compete.
Spotted at a local inter-school meet by a state coach, Kujur’s raw talent was undeniable. He was later inducted into a national training camp and given access to better infrastructure, diet, and coaching. Under the guidance of sprint coach N Ramesh, Kujur honed his explosive starts and perfected his stride mechanics.
“What impressed me the most about Animesh was not just his speed, but his hunger,” said Coach Ramesh. “He would train under the sun for hours, always asking questions, always pushing himself. I knew this day would come—it was only a matter of time.”
Reaction from the Athletics World
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) hailed the achievement as a “watershed moment” for Indian sprinting. In a tweet that quickly went viral, the federation posted:
“History has been made! Animesh Kujur becomes the fastest Indian ever with a record-breaking 10.19s in the 100m. Proud moment for Indian athletics!”
Legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh’s son, Jeev Milkha Singh, also weighed in. “My father always believed that one day an Indian would challenge the best in the world in the 100m. Animesh has taken us one giant leap closer to that dream.”
Even Usain Bolt, the world record holder and sprinting icon, acknowledged the achievement. Posting on Instagram, Bolt shared a photo of Kujur crossing the finish line with the caption:
“Respect to Animesh Kujur. Keep pushing boundaries. Big up!”
Eyes on the Future
With the 2025 World Championships and the Paris Olympics just a year away, expectations are now sky-high for the young sprinter. While Indian athletics has seen stars in distance running, javelin, and long jump, sprinting has long been considered a weak link. Kujur’s breakthrough could open the floodgates for a new generation of Indian speedsters.
“I know people are talking about the Olympics already,” Kujur said with a smile. “But for now, I just want to focus on staying injury-free, improving my start, and continuing to train hard. This is just the beginning.”
A New Era Dawns
As fireworks lit up the Bengaluru sky and chants of “Animesh! Animesh!” echoed around the stadium, one thing became clear—India had witnessed the birth of a new sporting icon.
In a country where cricket has long dominated headlines, Animesh Kujur’s triumph is a reminder of the untapped potential in Indian athletics. His 10.19-second dash may have lasted less than the blink of an eye, but its impact will be felt for generations.
From humble tracks in Chhattisgarh to the international stage, Animesh Kujur has become a symbol of hope, belief, and blazing ambition. India’s fastest man has arrived—and he’s just getting started.
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