Animesh Kujur Shatters Men’s 200m National Record
In a remarkable display of speed and athleticism, Animesh Kujur dominated the track at the recent Federation Cup athletics meet in Kochi, setting a new national record in the men’s 200m with an impressive time of 20.40 seconds. The achievement not only highlights Kujur’s talent but also marks a significant milestone in Indian athletics as he edges closer to the world stage.
Stunning Performance in Dubai
Just last month, Kujur continued his form by participating in an event in Dubai, where he finished in 20.45 seconds, only 0.05 seconds slower than his record in Kochi. This performance secured him a new meet record, reinforcing his status as one of the fastest Indian sprinters. Furthermore, it is notable that this time is the fastest recorded by an Indian in the 200m on foreign soil, showcasing his ability to perform under international pressure.
Competing on the World Stage
Following Kujur in the Dubai event were notable athletes like Mahamat Goubaye Youssouf from Chad, who clocked in at 20.93 seconds, and Emmanuel Bamidele representing the UAE with a time of 20.97 seconds. This competitive field illustrates the growing prominence of Indian athletes in sprinting, with Kujur leading the charge.
Relay Success with Indian Team
In addition to his individual success, Kujur played a crucial role in the Indian men’s 4x100m relay team, which clinched victory with a time of 38.76 seconds. Competing alongside Gurindervir Singh, Manikanta Hoblidar, and Amlan Borgohain, this quartet showcased extraordinary synergy and speed. Just the previous month, the team had broken the national record with a blazing 38.69-second run at the National Open Relay Carnival in Chandigarh, indicating a golden era for Indian relay events.
Notable Performances Beyond Kujur
The Dubai meet was not just a platform for Kujur; it also saw impressive performances across several events. In the men’s long jump, David Solomon from the UAE stood out with a remarkable leap of 7.78 meters, eclipsing his previous best by nearly three-quarters of a meter. Following him were Al Yerabi from Oman and Marko Ceko from Croatia, securing their spots on the podium with jumps of 7.61 meters and 7.60 meters, respectively.
In the women’s long jump category, Shaili Singh, an Asian Championships silver medalist, claimed second place with a jump of 6.44 meters, finishing just behind Egypt’s Esraa Owis, who won with 6.67 meters. Meanwhile, Ancy Sojan, a silver medalist from the 2023 Asian Games, showcased her talent by finishing third with a mark of 6.33 meters.
Highlights from Other Track Events
Continuing the trend of notable performances, Gurindervir Singh, India’s national record holder in the 100m, finished eighth in the event with a time of 10.41 seconds. In the men’s 400m, rising star Mohamed Sinan secured second place with a time of 46.67 seconds, finishing just behind UAE’s Suleiman Abdirahman, who clocked 45.66 seconds.
The excitement didn’t end there. In the women’s triple jump, Sawant Poorva marked her presence with a jump of 13.09 meters, finishing third and adding to the day’s impressive performances across disciplines.
Each of these achievements lays the groundwork for an exciting future for Indian athletics, showcasing the potential and drive of its athletes on both national and international platforms. The spotlight is firmly on stars like Animesh Kujur, whose relentless pursuit of excellence continues to inspire generations.
