Animesh Kujur records India's second-fastest 100m time

New Delhi, India Jul 11, 2026 ALN: India's national 200m record holder Animesh Kujur continued his rapid rise as one of the country's premier sprinters by clocking a personal best 10.14 seconds to finish second in the men's 100m final at the PUMA Fast Arms Fast Legs 2026 meet on Saturday.

The Odisha athlete's performance is the fastest 100m ever recorded by an Indian on foreign soil and the second-fastest by an Indian overall, only behind Gurindervir Singh's national-leading 10.09 seconds. Animesh had shown his form earlier in the day by winning his heat in 10.19 seconds. He improved in the final, shaving one hundredth of a second off his previous personal best of 10.15 seconds. This continues a season in which he has consistently lowered his times.

Already the national record holder in the men's 200m, Animesh has established himself among India's fastest-ever 100m runners. He now owns three of the five fastest 100m times by an Indian, with the all-time list as follows: Gurindervir Singh (10.09s), Animesh Kujur (10.14s), Animesh Kujur (10.15s), Gurindervir Singh (10.17s), and Animesh Kujur (10.18s). His progress in the shorter sprint comes after he secured qualification for the Asian Games 200m at the Inter-State National Athletics Championships in June. He clocked 20.74 seconds, comfortably below the Athletics Federation of India qualifying standard of 20.88 seconds.

Despite achieving the qualifying mark easily, Animesh admitted he was not happy with the timing, saying qualification was his only goal.

"Honestly, I was not here for timing. The idea was to secure the qualification mark for the Asian Games. Since I have got it now, I will focus on improving before the Asian Games,"

he said after the race. His personal best in the 200m is still the national record of 20.32 seconds.

The Inter-State Championships followed India's bronze medal finish in the mixed 4x100m relay at the Asian Relay Championships, where Animesh played a key role. His coach, Martin Owens, revealed that after a demanding travel schedule, the focus had been on securing qualification instead of chasing a fast time. Although Animesh has often said the 200m is his preferred event, many of his biggest improvements in the past year have been in the 100m. Since setting the national 200m record in May 2025, he has gone below 20.50 seconds only once. In the 100m, he has twice lowered the Indian record before Gurindervir Singh reclaimed it with a national-best 10.09 seconds. His latest 10.14-second run highlights his growing status as one of India's top sprinting talents ahead of the Asian Games.

Animesh's recent performances are a reflection of the broader growth of athletics in India, particularly sprinting, which has seen a surge in talent and competitiveness in recent years. The country's athletes are increasingly making their mark on the international stage, with several competitors breaking long-standing records and achieving personal bests. This trend is attributed to a combination of factors, including improved training facilities, increased investment in sports, and a greater emphasis on athlete development programs.

The 2026 meet where Animesh achieved his personal best is part of a growing series of international competitions that provide Indian athletes with platforms to showcase their talents and compete against some of the best in the world. These events are crucial for gaining experience and confidence as they prepare for major championships such as the Asian Games and the Olympics.

Looking ahead, Animesh's focus on the Asian Games is particularly significant. The Asian Games is one of the largest multi-sport events in the world, featuring thousands of athletes from across Asia. For many athletes, including Animesh, this competition represents not only a chance to win medals but also an opportunity to gain recognition on a continental level. Animesh's recent achievements position him as a strong contender for a medal in both the 100m and 200m events, where he will face stiff competition from athletes across Asia.

The implications of Animesh's success extend beyond his personal achievements. His performance serves as an inspiration to younger athletes in India, demonstrating that with dedication and hard work, it is possible to break barriers and set new records. As more athletes emerge from the country, the hope is that India will continue to develop a robust sprinting program that can compete on the world stage.

Furthermore, the attention garnered by athletes like Animesh can lead to increased sponsorship and funding opportunities, not only for him but for the sport as a whole. This can result in better training facilities, access to top-tier coaching, and improved athlete support systems. The ripple effect of one athlete's success can thus contribute to the overall growth of athletics in India.

In recent years, the Indian government and various sports federations have recognized the need for a systematic approach to developing talent in athletics. Initiatives such as the Khelo India program aim to identify and nurture young athletes across various sports, including athletics. Such programs are designed to create a pipeline of talent that can compete at national and international levels, ensuring that athletes like Animesh have the support they need to succeed.

Moreover, the increasing popularity of athletics in India has also been fueled by the success of other athletes on the global stage. The achievements of sprinters, long-distance runners, and field athletes have garnered media attention and public interest, motivating aspiring athletes to take up the sport. This growing interest can lead to greater participation at grassroots levels, fostering a culture of athletics that encourages young talents to pursue their dreams.

In conclusion, Animesh Kujur's remarkable achievement of recording India's second-fastest 100m time is a significant milestone not only for him but also for Indian athletics. His journey reflects the evolving landscape of sports in India, where athletes are increasingly pushing boundaries and setting new standards. As he prepares for the upcoming Asian Games, all eyes will be on Animesh to see how he performs and whether he can add to his growing list of accomplishments on the international stage. The hope is that his success story will inspire a new generation of athletes to strive for excellence, thereby contributing to the overall growth and recognition of athletics in India.