"Animesh Kujur: The Rising Star of Indian Sprinting"
In the realm of Indian athletics, a new sensation is on the horizon, and his name is Animesh Kujur. At just 20 years old, he’s already making waves in the sprinting world, with his sights set on breaking records and achieving greatness.
It all started with a bold move at last year’s Under-23 meet in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, where Animesh, on a whim, approached renowned English coach Martin Owens. Little did he know, this chance encounter would change the trajectory of his athletic career. Owens, the head coach of the Odisha Reliance Foundation Athletics HPC, saw potential in the young sprinter and invited him to undergo selection trials.
Fast forward to today, and Animesh has already left his mark on the track. Clocking an impressive 20.62 seconds, he clinched the 200 meters gold at the Federation Cup in Bhubaneshwar, coming second only to Amalan Borgohain’s national record. Additionally, his stellar performance has earned him a spot in the 100 meters final, solidifying his status as one to watch in the sprinting world.
Animesh’s journey to success has been fueled by determination and unwavering support from his family. Hailing from the Maoist-affected Bastar region, where his father serves in the state police, Animesh’s upbringing instilled in him a love for sports from an early age. Despite facing challenges, such as being deemed overage due to his towering height, Animesh persevered, guided by his parents’ belief in his potential.
Under Coach Owens’ mentorship, Animesh has undergone rigorous training and discipline, transforming both physically and mentally. With a body fat percentage of just 7 percent and a strict diet regimen, he’s primed to take on the world’s best sprinters.
While Animesh dreams of qualifying for the Paris Olympics with a time of 20.16 seconds, Coach Owens emphasizes the importance of balancing confidence with practicality. With a year free of international meets, Animesh has the opportunity to hone his skills and showcase his talent on the global stage.
As Animesh Kujur continues to chase his dreams and push the boundaries of Indian sprinting, one thing is certain — the future of athletics is brighter with him leading the charge. Keep an eye on this rising star as he blazes a trail towards greatness.
