Odisha's sprint sensation Animesh Kujur has blazed a trail of glory at the Khelo India University Games, securing a gold medal in the men's 200m event with a record-breaking performance. The talented athlete, representing Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), not only stood atop the podium but also etched his name in the event's history by setting a new meet record.
A Record-Shattering Sprint to Gold
Competing at the prestigious national university-level event, Kujur clocked an impressive time of 20.75 seconds in the final race. This phenomenal sprint shattered the previous Khelo India University Games record of 20.87 seconds, which was held by Tamil Nadu's Elakkiyadasan. Kujur's victory was decisive, leaving his competitors behind as he powered through the finish line.
In a post-race statement, the champion sprinter revealed that setting a new benchmark was a primary objective. "Our main target was to set a record," Kujur stated, highlighting the focused preparation and determination that went into his race. He expressed immense satisfaction at achieving this significant milestone, calling it a "great feeling" to have accomplished the goal he set out for.
The Journey and The Future Ambitions
Animesh Kujur's athletic journey is marked by consistent hard work and notable achievements. A product of the Odisha Reliance Foundation Athletics High-Performance Centre (HPC), he has been honing his skills under expert guidance. His recent performances have been exceptional, including a personal best of 20.58 seconds at the National Federation Cup earlier in the year.
Looking ahead, the young athlete has his sights set on even bigger stages. Kujur's immediate focus is on qualifying for the upcoming Asian Athletics Championships. However, his ultimate dream is to represent India on the world's biggest sporting platform. "My main target is to qualify for the Olympics," he declared, underscoring his long-term ambition to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
A Boost for University Sports in India
Kujur's golden feat is a testament to the growing competitive spirit and infrastructure for sports at the university level in India, fostered by initiatives like the Khelo India University Games. His success story, from training at a high-performance centre to breaking records at a national university event, serves as a powerful inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.
The victory adds another glittering chapter to Odisha's rising reputation as a hub for athletic talent. With a clear roadmap towards Asian and Olympic qualification, Animesh Kujur has firmly established himself as one of India's most promising track and field prospects to watch in the coming years.
