Animesh Kujur
Indian athlete (born 2003)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Animesh Kujur (born 2 June 2003) is an Indian sprinter who is the current national record holder in 200 metres event. In 2025, he made history by becoming the first-ever Indian male sprinter to qualify for the World Athletics Championships.[2]
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| |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | 2 June 2003 |
| Alma mater | Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology Sainik School |
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Track and field |
| Event(s) | 100 m, 200 m |
| Achievements and titles | |
| Personal bests | 100 m: 10.15 (2026) 200 m: 20.32 NR (2025) |
Medal record | |
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.[3]
Career
Kujur rose to national prominence in 2023–2024, but his breakthrough year was 2025.
2025: National records
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.[4]
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.[5]
2026 season
In May 2026, Kujur ran a personal best of 10.15 seconds in the 100m in Birsa Munda Foot Ball Stadium in Ranchi, India.[6][7]
Personal Bests
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.[8]
- **Best Athlete Award:** Conferred at various Inter-State and National Open Athletics Championships.