Bhubaneswar : Indian sprint sensation Animesh Kujur continues to make waves in athletics after clinching the national 200m title with a meet record time of 20.63 seconds at the 64th Inter-State Athletics Championships 2025 held in Chennai.
This outstanding performance not only broke his own previous record but also earned him crucial ranking points for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo, positioning him among the top contenders for the prestigious event.
With 48 available spots, Animesh is poised to become the first-ever Indian male sprinter to compete on the global stage at the World Championships.
In an exclusive interview with Sports Science India, Animesh said he is fully focused on preparing for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2026 Asian Games, with a clear goal in mind. He wants to win gold for India and elevate the nation’s presence in athletics on the international stage.
‘Winning gold for India is my ultimate aim’
“Winning gold for India is my ultimate aim for these upcoming games. I am dedicated to giving my best and making the country proud,” said Animesh.
‘Odisha sports and Kalinga Stadium have been the foundation’: Animesh
Notably, the athlete also expressed his sincere gratitude towards Odisha Sports and Kalinga Stadium, highlighting the unwavering support and world-class facilities that have played an instrumental role in his development. Although born in Chhattisgarh, Animesh has been a strong advocate for Odisha, often emphasising the state’s significant contribution to his athletic career.
“Odisha sports and Kalinga Stadium have been the foundation of my journey. The world-class facilities, expert coaching, and continuous support have helped me reach new heights in my career,” the star athlete said.
INDIA’S FASTEST MAN WINS THE GOLD🏅🔥
– Animesh Kujur broke Meet Record – 20.63 ⚡ pic.twitter.com/It7BPziqFB
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) August 23, 2025
Thoughts on importance of Sports Science in modern athletics
Animesh also spoke about the increasing importance of Sports Science in modern athletics. He explained that sports science plays a vital role in enhancing athletic performance, injury prevention, and recovery for athletes across the board, including himself.
“Sports science is extremely helpful in athletics. It helps athletes improve performance, prevent injuries, and recover faster. It has been a key part of my training.”
With his combination of talent, discipline, and strong support from Odisha’s sporting ecosystem, alongside the incorporation of sports science in his training regimen, Animesh is fast emerging as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Indian athletics.
A look at his achievements in athletics
Animesh’s key achievements include setting the Indian national records in the 100 metres (10.18 seconds), 200 metres (20.32 seconds), and the 4 × 100 metres relay (38.69 seconds) in 2025.
He won a bronze medal in 200m race at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
He also bagged a bronze medal at Rhine-Ruhr 2025 in Germany (Summer World University Games).
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