Animesh Kujur has become India's fastest sprinter, making history as the national record holder in both the 100m and 200m sprints. Spent a morning with Animesh at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar, where he shared his remarkable journey from a young football enthusiast in Chhattisgarh to becoming one of India’s most promising track athletes.

Growing up in the troubled regions of Chhattisgarh, Animesh’s early years were marked by distance from his family, as he was sent to a boarding school in Kanker. Initially dreaming of a career in football, his future took an unexpected turn when he won five gold medals in a local athletics competition by sheer accident. This achievement sparked an interest in athletics, though it took time for him to fully embrace it as a career.

Animesh’s transition from football to athletics wasn’t easy. He was torn between following a traditional path of academics and job entrances or pursuing athletics, a field with no clear idols in his home state. His breakthrough came when he confided in his uncle, who convinced his father to support his dream of becoming a professional athlete. His father’s surprising support was a turning point, and Animesh moved forward with his athletic aspirations.

Once he committed to athletics, Animesh’s rise was rapid. His breakthrough came when he caught the attention of Martin Owens, the head of the Odisha Reliance High Performance Centre, after his performance at the U-23 tournament. Animesh’s talent was evident, but his early training was far from perfect. He struggled with basic movements and conditioning, but under the guidance of Owens, he gradually transformed into a disciplined and structured athlete.

Training five days a week, Animesh has focused on improving his sprint times, setting a personal best of 10.18 seconds in the 100m. His coach believes that better starting blocks could have shaved off a few milliseconds from his time. Animesh’s dedication to refining his technique has also led him to compete in the Diamond League, where he learned valuable lessons from international athletes, especially regarding their intense pre-race preparation and mentality.

Animesh’s journey is not only about improving his times but also about growing as a person. His quiet nature, introversion, and love for documentaries and action films reflect his introspective personality. Despite being a fierce competitor on the track, Animesh is known for his kindness and humility off it, traits that have earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches.

As Animesh sets his sights on the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo (2025), Asian Games (2026), and Los Angeles Olympics (2028), he remains focused on gaining experience, consistency, and refining his technique. His success is the result of belief, hard work, and a determination to be the best, and as India’s fastest man, Animesh is poised to break even more records in the years to come.

The 2025 season is a critical one for Animesh, as he prepares for the global stage with a clear vision and the support of his family and coach. His story is one of resilience, growth, and an unwavering commitment to becoming the best version of himself, one race at a time.