From tribal village to global track: Animesh Kujur becomes India’s fastest sprinter
Coming from the tribal village of Ghuitangar in Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh (Oraon community), Animesh Kujur has established himself as India’s fastest sprinter through hard work, dedication, and discipline. At just 22 years old, this young athlete holds national records in both the 100m and 200m sprint events — a feat extremely difficult to achieve.
Early Life and Training
Animesh was born into a disciplined family where both his parents, Amrit and Rina Kujur, are police officers (DSPs). They valued sports and discipline, which greatly shaped Animesh’s mindset. He received his schooling at Sainik School, Ambikapur, where physical strength and sports were emphasized. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he trained by running with army aspirants, which significantly enhanced his fitness and mental resilience.
Later, he was selected for the Reliance Foundation Athletics High Performance Centre (HPC) in Odisha, where he began training under British coach Martin Owens. Owens focused on developing his technique, speed, and mental discipline.
Breaking National Records: 100m & 200m
In the 100m race, Animesh set a new Indian national record on July 5, 2025, at the Dromia International Sprint and Relays Meeting held in Vary, Greece, clocking 10.18 seconds. He surpassed the previous 10.20s mark and became the first Indian sprinter to run the 100m in under 10.20 seconds.
He further cemented his status in the 200m event, first setting a national record of 20.40 seconds in April 2025 at the Federation Cup (Kochi), which he improved to 20.32 seconds during the Asian Championships in Gumi, South Korea, winning a bronze medal for India.
Additionally, he was part of the Indian 4×100m relay team, which clocked 38.69 seconds, setting another national record.
International Experience: Monaco & Switzerland
Monaco Diamond League (200m, U-23)
In July 2025, Animesh participated in the U-23 200m final of the Monaco Diamond League, finishing fourth with a time of 20.55 seconds. Though slightly slower than his personal best (PB: 20.32s), it was a valuable experience competing alongside world-class sprinters like Gout Gout of Australia (20.10s) and Jack Naeem of South Africa (20.42s).
Spitzen Leichtathletik Luzern Meet, Switzerland
Next, he competed at the Spitzen Leichtathletik Luzern meet in Lucerne, Switzerland, finishing second in Heat C of the 100m with a time of 10.28 seconds — his third-best personal timing, indicating steady improvement.
His coach Martin Owens expressed satisfaction but reminded that improvement is a slow process influenced by factors like training quality, track conditions, and wind resistance.
Goal: World Athletics Championships 2025
Animesh is now eyeing qualification for the World Athletics Championships 2025, to be held in Tokyo this September. Joking with his coach, he confidently said, “Don’t worry, I will qualify!”
His target is to beat the 200m qualifying time of 20.16 seconds, and he is very close. For the 100m, his next milestone is breaking the 10-second barrier, a historic feat for Indian sprinting. Coach Owens is cautiously optimistic, working on gradual and methodical improvements.
Challenges and Source of Inspiration
Animesh’s journey is not just about hard work — it is also a story of emotional endurance and community support. Despite the struggles of the COVID era, staying away from home, and limited resources, he remained focused.
Coach Martin Owens says that Animesh’s humility and eagerness to learn are his most special traits — qualities essential for a great athlete. These traits have helped him rise swiftly in the world of competitive athletics.
Conclusion: A New Dawn for Indian Athletics
Animesh Kujur’s story proves that with the right guidance, mindset, and determination, even limited resources cannot stop one from reaching the top. He is not only achieving personal milestones but also ushering in a new era for Indian athletics.
For the youth of India, especially those from small towns and villages, Animesh’s journey is a beacon of hope — a reminder that with hard work and resilience, any global stage can be conquered.
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