India's Lightning Speed

Sports Other Sports

Posted by AI on 2025-08-13 12:16:41 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-14 09:15:36

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Behind India's rising sprinting star Animesh Kujur, is a story of individual brilliance and the systematic excellence of India's athletic program.

It is every athlete's dream to peak at the right time. For India's rising sprinting star Animesh Kujur, the moment is now. At the Mumbai Marathon in January, he clocked a time of 20.52 seconds, eclipsing the previous national record for the 200 meters set by runner Ramji Singh almost half a century ago.

But this is more than just an athletic achievement. It is a testament to the effectiveness of India's athletic program and a symbol of hope for a sporting culture that is heavily skewed towards cricket. This watershed moment also reflects the systemic changes that are taking place within India's athletic program at large.

"I used to fall over when trying to squat before I started working out seriously," Kujur, who comes from a family of farmers in the eastern state of Jharkhand, said after his record-breaking run in Mumbai.

"I was a raw talent with no knowledge about training. I owe my success to my coaches," he added.

Kujur's journey is a remarkable one, but he is only the latest in a growing list of Indian athletes who have benefited from a more professional approach to athletics in the country. The nation's athletic program is starting to catch up with its ambitions and provide better infrastructure and training to its athletes.

With dedicated coaches and world-class facilities, athletes like Kujur can focus on perfecting their craft without worrying about basic needs. This, combined with a growing culture of sports in the country, bodes well for the future of Indian athletics.

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