Raipur/New Delhi: In a remarkable journey that resembles a true sports fairy tale, 22-year-old Animesh Kujur sprinted his way from the humble fields of Ghuitangar village in Chhattisgarh’s tribal Jashpur district to international acclaim by setting a new national record in the 100-meter dash. On July 5, at the prestigious Dromia International Sprint Meet held in Vari, Greece, Kujur clocked an astonishing 10.18 seconds – the fastest ever recorded by an Indian athlete.
Though finishing third behind competitors from South Africa and Oman, Animesh’s timing shattered the previous national record of 10.20 seconds, signaling India’s arrival on the global sprinting map.
From Football to Sprinting Stardom
Kujur’s journey began not on a track, but on the football fields, where his natural speed first caught the eye of a local coach during a state-level under-18 athletics tournament in Raipur. Today, he balances his sprinting career with a job as a forest guard in Chhattisgarh’s state forest department, reflecting his humble roots and dedication to his community.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised Kujur’s achievement, calling it “a moment of immense pride” for both the state and the nation. “Animesh’s historic accomplishments symbolize the power of belief and determination. His journey from a small tribal village to international glory will inspire millions of young athletes,” he said.
Realizing a Dream: The Turning Points
Reflecting on his record-breaking performance, Animesh humbly admitted, “When I was told I ran 10.18 seconds, I didn’t understand its significance. It was only after seeing it on TV and newspapers that I realized I had made history for India.”
His admission to Sainik School Ambikapur marked a turning point in his life. “The discipline and encouragement there changed my outlook,” he said. Animesh’s father, Amrit Kujur, Deputy Superintendent of Police, shared, “Getting into Sainik School was like a dream come true. That place instilled the focus and resilience he needed.”
From Raw Talent to National Sensation
Dinesh Tandi, Animesh’s first coach, recounted how Kujur’s potential was recognized early on. “After his initial performances in 2019, a giant foundation dedicated to promoting elite athletes selected him for specialized training at their Odisha center in Bhubaneswar. Under the expert mentorship of coach Martin Owens, Kujur refined his technique and fitness, transforming from raw tribal talent into a national sprinting sensation.”
“His parents, both police officers, instilled discipline in him from a young age,” added the coach. Animesh’s father highlighted his son’s steady rise: “He was bright since childhood. We encouraged him, secured his admission to engineering studies in Raipur, and trained him rigorously. He soon broke the national record for 200 meters at the Under-23 Nationals in Bilaspur, clocking 21.12 seconds.”
A Journey Marked by Perseverance
Animesh’s journey from winning five gold medals at district-level sprints and jumps to competing nationally wearing professional spike shoes for the first time is a testament to perseverance. Jashpur’s remote, forested terrain is not typically known for producing international sprinters, but Animesh’s story proves that with the right support, talent from marginalized regions can shine globally.
Since 2022, he has worked as a forest guard in Jashpur, balancing his career with relentless training. His recent performances have caught the attention of foreign coaches and athletics experts, marking him as a future medal contender in major global events.
Looking Ahead: Dreams of Olympic Glory
With new national and international records to his name, Animesh Kujur now sets his sights on bigger stages, including the Olympic Games. His story is a powerful reminder that talent combined with opportunity can break through economic, geographic, and social barriers.
From barefoot runs on muddy village paths to standing tall on global podiums, Animesh’s sprint is more than just a race – it is a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience and potential of India’s youth.
Racing Among the Elite
Though he will not race against world-renowned sprinters like Noah Lyles and Letsile Tebogo in his upcoming events, Kujur is set to compete in the U-23 200m, facing off against some of the sport’s biggest emerging stars. The Australian teen prodigy Gout Gout, often compared to a young Usain Bolt, is the favorite in the race.
Recalling his first encounter with the world’s elite sprinters, Kujur said, “I used to see them on Instagram only. When I saw them in person for the first time, I went and took a photo with them. They were very nice, and I felt like, ‘Oh wow, I am on a bigger stage now. I have to act like a pro athlete.’”
In Exceptional Form Ahead of Diamond League
Animesh’s remarkable recent form, including national records of 10.18 seconds in the 100m and 20.27 seconds in the 200m, has set high expectations. The 22-year-old credits a two-week training camp in Switzerland for his improved performance and is now poised to make a lasting impact at the upcoming Monaco Diamond League and beyond.
