In the dusty red-soil lanes of Bastar, Chhattisgarh a region often in the news for conflict and unrest — a young sprinter has quietly scripted a story of resilience, grit, and raw talent.
Meet Animesh Kujur, the 22-year-old who just clocked an electrifying 10.18 seconds in the 100m sprint at a meet in Greece, officially making him India’s fastest man. But behind that number is a story far richer one of early discipline, quiet ambition, and the kind of determination that refuses to be defined by one’s circumstances.
A Childhood Rooted in Sport
Born into a family of athletes, Animesh didn’t just inherit good genes — he inherited discipline. His father, a former state-level sprinter, and his mother, a long-distance runner, introduced him to a life where training before sunrise wasn’t exceptional — it was expected.
Still, sprinting wasn’t his first love. His journey began unexpectedly — during a school sports day, where he joined a race on a whim and won. That casual run revealed a spark no one could ignore.
Training Amidst Challenges
Bastar isn’t known for sports infrastructure. The region, often grappling with socio-political tensions, has few avenues for professional athletic development. But what Animesh lacked in facilities, he made up for in discipline. Running barefoot, timing himself with a stopwatch, and training before school became his routine. His parents doubled up as coaches, motivators, and sometimes even physiotherapists when the body gave in but the will did not.
The Mentor Who Changed It All
Animesh’s breakthrough came when he caught the attention of Martin Owens, a UK-based sprints coach who had worked with elite-level athletes. Under Owens’ guidance, Animesh refined his form, understood the science behind speed, and began competing internationally.
Owens saw in him what many now see — not just talent, but a burning desire to be better every single day. “He listens, he learns, and he works harder than most I’ve trained,” Owens said in an interview. “His background hasn’t slowed him down. If anything, it fuels him.”
Making History in Greece
His moment came on a European track, far from the dusty fields of Bastar. At a meet in Greece, Animesh clocked 10.18 seconds in the 100m — the fastest ever by an Indian sprinter, shaving milliseconds off the previous national records.
In track terms, that’s a seismic achievement — not just for Animesh, but for Indian athletics. It signals a new era, where raw talent from underserved regions can rise and shine on global platforms.
A Symbol of Possibility
Animesh’s story is more than a sports headline. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when talent meets tenacity. Coming from a region better known for insurgency than international glory, he now stands as a symbol of hope for thousands of young Indians.
In a post-race interview, when asked what drives him, Animesh simply said:
"Every time I run, I carry Bastar with me. I want the world to know there’s more to my home than conflict. There’s courage, there’s potential, and there’s speed."
The Road Ahead
With the Olympics on the horizon, Animesh is training harder than ever. His eyes are set on qualifying for Paris, and his heart remains grounded in Bastar. Whether or not he brings home medals, he’s already brought something more valuable — belief.