Animesh Kujur (born 2 June 2003) is an Indian sprinter who is the current national record holder in both the 100 metres and 200 metres events. In 2025, he made history by becoming the first-ever Indian male sprinter to qualify for the World Athletics Championships.[1]
Early life and education
Animesh Kujur was born in Ghuitangar village in the Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh. He attended Sainik School and later the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT). Coming from a humble background, he initially balanced his training with his duties as an employee of the Chhattisgarh Forest Department. He eventually moved to Bhubaneswar to train at the Odisha Reliance Foundation Athletics High Performance Centre under coach Martin Owens.[2]
Career
Kujur rose to national prominence in 2023–2024, but his breakthrough year was 2025.
National Records and 2025 Season
In 2025, Kujur became the first Indian to run the 100m in under 10.2 seconds, clocking a national record of 10.18 seconds. In the same season, at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, he set a new national record in the 200m with a time of 20.32 seconds, earning a bronze medal.[3]
In August 2025, he officially confirmed his berth for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, becoming the first Indian male to achieve this in a short-sprint category.[4]
Personal Bests
| Event | Time (seconds) | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 metres | 10.18 NR | Chennai, India | 6 July 2025 |
| 200 metres | 20.32 NR | Gumi, South Korea | 31 May 2025 |
| 4×100 m relay | 38.69 NR | Chandigarh, India | 30 April 2025 |
Awards and Recognitions
- Biju Patnaik Sports Award (2024): Named "Sportsperson of the Year" by the Government of Odisha on National Sports Day (August 29, 2025) for his record-breaking feats.[5]
- **Best Athlete Award:** Conferred at various Inter-State and National Open Athletics Championships.
References
- ↑ India's fastest man! Animesh Kujur shatters national record in men's 100m. The Times of India(2025-07-06).
- ↑ Animesh Kujur Profile. Orisports. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
- ↑ Animesh Kujur: The gold standard of Indian sprinting. Sportstar(2025-06-01).
- ↑ Animesh Kujur makes History, becomes first Indian Male Sprinter to qualify for World Championships. MyKhel(2025-08-24).
- ↑ Sprinter Animesh Kujur receives Biju Patnaik Sports Award. The New Indian Express(2025-08-30).