The landscape of Indian athletics has witnessed significant changes in recent years. In particular, sprinting has emerged as one of the most promising areas for the country. As of April 2025, there’s a palpable excitement around India’s sprinters, fueled by their exceptional performances at events like the Fed Cup. The success of athletes like Animesh Kujur, Jyothi Yarraji, and Sachin Yadav, among others, has sparked optimism for the future of Indian athletics. In this article, we will explore the incredible achievements of these athletes, the factors driving their success, and the challenges that lie ahead as they look to compete on the global stage.
Animesh Kujur: Breaking Records and Setting New Benchmarks
Animesh Kujur’s performance at the Fed Cup was nothing short of extraordinary. With a stunning 20.40 seconds in the men’s 200m, Animesh shattered the previous national record and left many in awe of his effortless sprinting technique. To most observers, it seemed as though he wasn’t even pushing himself to the limit. However, his coach, Martin Owens, attributes much of this success to the quality of competition in his training group. Animesh trains alongside some of India’s fastest sprinters, including Manikanta Hoblidhar, Amlan Borgohain, and Gurindervir Singh. This close-knit group, all part of the Reliance Foundation’s athletics program, continuously challenges one another, pushing the boundaries of Indian sprinting to new heights.
While Animesh’s 200m victory was impressive, it is his unrelenting commitment to improvement that truly sets him apart. His record-breaking run not only marked a significant milestone in his career but also signaled a shift in India’s sprinting culture. With sprinters like him on the rise, there is growing hope that India will soon become a competitive force in international sprinting.
Animesh’s coach, Martin Owens, emphasizes the importance of racing fast in order to improve. “There’s no substitute for running as many fast races as possible,” Owens says. This philosophy, coupled with the excellent training environment at the Reliance Foundation, has created an atmosphere where athletes can thrive. However, both Animesh and Owens acknowledge that there is still a long way to go before India can compete at the highest level internationally.
Despite the promising results, one of the major disappointments in the Indian sprinting community came with the exclusion of Gurindervir and Manikanta from the 100m event at the Asian Athletics Championships. Both sprinters had met the qualifying standards earlier in the year, but their performances in the Fed Cup were deemed insufficient by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). Gurindervir struggled with cramps and finished last in his race, while Manikanta, despite a strong performance, only managed to finish third. This decision raised eyebrows, as many felt the exclusion of these sprinters was unfair, especially considering their past performances and potential.
The Training Environment: Pushing Indian Sprinting to New Horizons
The key to Animesh’s success—and that of many other Indian sprinters—has been the strong support system provided by the Reliance Foundation. Through this initiative, sprinters have access to world-class facilities, expert coaching, and a highly competitive training environment. This has allowed athletes to push their limits and achieve remarkable feats. Owens, a former athlete himself, brings a wealth of experience to his coaching, emphasizing the importance of both physical and mental conditioning. His focus on sprinting mechanics, endurance, and race strategy has helped shape the next generation of sprinters in India.
Moreover, training with a group of talented and highly motivated athletes has proven to be invaluable for Animesh and his peers. Having Manikanta, Amlan, and Gurindervir in the same training group provides healthy competition and an opportunity for mutual growth. It’s not just about individual success but about building a stronger sprinting culture within the country. In many ways, the success of the Reliance Foundation athletes symbolizes the potential of collective effort and collaboration in Indian athletics.
While the group dynamic is essential, it is also important to note that these athletes must regularly compete in fast races to refine their skills. This was evident during the Fed Cup, where the athletes were able to test their limits and gain valuable experience. However, as Owens points out, the real test for Indian sprinters will come when they face global competition. International events will provide a true measure of their abilities, and the next challenge is to consistently perform at a high level on the world stage.
The Asian Athletics Championships: Exclusions and Setbacks
The decision by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) to exclude Gurindervir and Manikanta from the 100m race at the Asian Athletics Championships was a controversial one. Both sprinters had met the qualifying marks earlier in the season, and their exclusion was based solely on their performances at the Fed Cup. While the rationale behind the decision was that they had not performed up to expectations, many questioned whether the AFI’s judgment was fair, especially considering the circumstances surrounding their performances.
Gurindervir’s cramping during the race was a setback that no athlete could have anticipated, and Manikanta’s third-place finish—while not a victory—was still a strong showing. The AFI’s decision not to send them to the Asian Championships reflected a broader issue within Indian athletics: the need for more consistent performance, but also the need for better understanding and support of athletes during periods of recovery and adjustment.
For the athletes themselves, the exclusion was a tough pill to swallow. Gurindervir and Manikanta had worked hard to achieve the qualifying standards and felt that their performances in the Fed Cup were not reflective of their true potential. In the case of Gurindervir, the cramping issue was an unfortunate one-off, while Manikanta’s third-place finish was close to a victory, leaving many to question if the AFI’s standards for exclusion were too strict.
The decision to exclude them highlights the pressures athletes face in the Indian athletic system, where the margin for error is razor-thin. However, it also underscores the need for more opportunities for Indian sprinters to gain international exposure and refine their skills before the biggest global competitions. Without such opportunities, it’s difficult for Indian athletes to build the kind of resilience and consistency needed to thrive at the highest level.
The Rise of India’s Best Hurdlers
India’s strength in athletics is not confined to sprinting alone. The country’s hurdles athletes have also been making waves, particularly in the 100m and 400m hurdles events. Jyothi Yarraji, India’s best 100m hurdler, once again proved her dominance by winning the gold at the Fed Cup with a time of 13.23 seconds. Remarkably, this performance came after she had been recovering from a hamstring injury for over three weeks. Her ability to perform at such a high level despite the setback is a testament to her talent and determination.
Jyothi’s success in the hurdles event has positioned her as one of India’s most exciting prospects in track and field. Her performances at national events have been consistently strong, and she is now looking to make her mark on the international stage. It is her resilience and mental toughness that set her apart from the competition, and as she continues to improve, she is poised to become a dominant force in world athletics.
In the 400m hurdles, Vithya Ramraj has emerged as a formidable contender. Her impressive performance at the Fed Cup, where she clocked a time of 56.02 seconds, earned her a spot in the upcoming Asian Championships. Vithya has been working hard to improve her mental game, and this focus on her mindset has paid off in her recent performances. She is confident that she can break PT Usha’s long-standing national record in the 400m hurdles this season. Vithya’s mental approach to the race is a key aspect of her success, as she has learned to stay focused and calm under pressure. Her steady improvement and goal of breaking the national record make her one to watch in the coming years.
Javelin Throw: Potential for Glory
The javelin event has also seen exciting performances, particularly from Sachin Yadav, who won gold at the Fed Cup with an impressive throw of 83.86 meters. At 6’5″ and 105kg, Sachin is a force to be reckoned with. His unconventional javelin technique, which relies on his sheer power and strength, has proven effective in helping him achieve impressive distances. Despite recovering from an ankle injury, Sachin’s performance at the Fed Cup was a clear indication of his potential. With more time to recover and fully condition his body, Sachin could become a major contender on the international stage.
Meanwhile, Asian Games silver medalist Kishore Kumar Jena continues his recovery from injury. His performance at the Fed Cup, where he finished fourth with a throw of 77.82 meters, was not his best. However, Jena is optimistic that with continued rehabilitation, he will return to the form that saw him consistently throw well over 80 meters in the past. His progress is slow but steady, and many believe that he still has the potential to reach new heights in the javelin event.
Frequently Asked Question
Who is Animesh Kujur, and why is he being highlighted in the recent Indian athletics performances?
Animesh Kujur is a talented Indian sprinter who recently broke the national 200m record with an outstanding time of 20.40 seconds. His performance in the Fed Cup, alongside the support from his coach and training partners, has drawn attention to the rising strength of Indian sprinting.
What is the significance of Animesh Kujur’s record-breaking performance?
Animesh’s 20.40s in the 200m shattered the previous national record and was described as “effortless,” showcasing both his speed and technique. This breakthrough has sparked hope that Indian sprinters can compete at an international level soon.
Why are sprinters like Gurindervir and Manikanta not participating in the Asian Athletics Championships?
Despite both sprinters qualifying earlier in the season, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) excluded them from the competition following their underwhelming performances at the Fed Cup. Gurindervir faced cramps, finishing last, and Manikanta placed third.
What role does the Reliance Foundation play in the success of Indian sprinters?
The Reliance Foundation provides world-class training facilities and support for sprinters. Athletes like Animesh Kujur, Manikanta, and Amlan Borgohain train together in a competitive environment that fosters mutual growth, pushing Indian sprinting to new levels.
What did coach Martin Owens say about the training environment for Indian sprinters?
Coach Martin Owens highlighted that training alongside quick runners and racing in fast competitions is key to improving. He emphasized that frequent exposure to competitive races is crucial for sprinters to achieve international success.
What is Jyothi Yarraji known for, and what are her recent achievements?
Jyothi Yarraji is India’s top 100m hurdler, having recently won the gold at the Fed Cup with a time of 13.23 seconds. Her victory was especially remarkable given she had been recovering from a hamstring injury for over three weeks prior to the race.
Conclusion
As we look toward the future, it is clear that Indian athletics, particularly in the sprinting and hurdling events, is experiencing a period of growth and development. The success of athletes like Animesh Kujur, Jyothi Yarraji, and Sachin Yadav, along with the rising talents in the hurdles and javelin events, has injected new hope into the country’s athletics community.
