Animesh Kujur: How Discipline, Jesse Owens, and a Hunger for Speed Shaped India’s Sprinting Star

In a country where cricket reigns supreme, the rise of Animesh Kujur — India’s newest sprinting sensation — is nothing short of extraordinary. The 20-year-old from Chhattisgarh has emerged as one of the fastest men in Indian athletics, capturing national attention with his record-breaking runs and fearless attitude. But behind every explosive start and powerful finish is a story of discipline, sacrifice, inspiration, and relentless pursuit of greatness.

This is the journey of Animesh Kujur — a name that now echoes in Indian athletics circles with admiration and hope.

Early Beginnings in Chhattisgarh

Born in 2004 in a modest family in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, Animesh was not handed success. His father worked as a mechanic, and his mother stitched clothes for a living. Money was tight, but values were strong. From a young age, Animesh showed an inclination towards physical activity. Unlike most children his age who were glued to mobile screens or television, Animesh preferred running across open fields and dusty playgrounds.

His first tryst with competitive athletics came in school when a physical education teacher noticed his speed during a casual race. “He flew past kids who were older and taller,” the coach recalled. That one race set the tone for what would become a disciplined routine of training at the local stadium, sometimes without proper shoes or equipment.

Inspiration from Jesse Owens and Indian Legends

Animesh credits much of his early inspiration to reading about legendary African-American sprinter Jesse Owens. “I came across a documentary on Jesse Owens and how he defied Hitler’s Aryan supremacy myth at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. That story changed me,” he said in an interview.

Owens’ story of resilience and courage deeply resonated with the young Indian sprinter, who too came from a background where odds were stacked against him. Over time, Animesh also began studying Indian athletes like Milkha Singh and more recently, Muhammed Anas and Amlan Borgohain — sprinters who showed that Indians could compete at world levels.

But it was not just admiration — he studied their stride patterns, their race finishes, their training drills. He became a student of the sport, hungry to learn more each day.

Structured Training and National Recognition

His talent didn’t go unnoticed for long. At age 17, he was selected for a regional athletics camp. From there, he earned a spot at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) Patiala, where he came under the mentorship of seasoned coaches. Under a regimented training program, Animesh transitioned from a raw runner to a technical sprinter.

Training for up to six hours a day — split into morning and evening sessions — Animesh focused not only on running drills, but also strength training, recovery, plyometrics, and biomechanics. Coaches noted his natural acceleration and powerful finishing — rare qualities in someone so young.

By 2023, he had already made waves by clocking sub-21 second finishes in the 200 meters, a mark considered elite in Indian sprinting. But it was in 2024 that the real breakthrough came.

The Breakthrough Year

At the 2024 Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar, Animesh stunned a field full of favorites to take gold in the 200 meters with a time of 20.87 seconds, breaking the meet record and sending shockwaves through the athletics community. It was the fastest time by an Indian under-23 athlete in that year.

What made the win even more iconic was the way he finished — powering past more experienced runners in the final 50 meters, with a fearless expression that seemed to say, “I belong here.”

That performance earned him a call-up to the national senior camp and a spot in the Indian team for the Asian Athletics Championships. While he didn’t win a medal at the continental level, he managed a personal best again — 20.74 seconds — and gained invaluable international exposure.

Discipline: The Diet and Lifestyle Choices

What truly sets Animesh apart, according to his coaches, is his discipline off the track. Unlike many young athletes who get swayed by fame or distractions, Animesh maintains a monk-like focus on his craft.

His diet is a tightly controlled mix of lean protein, complex carbs, and hydration routines. “No junk food, no sugar, and absolutely no late-night outings,” he once said. He wakes up at 4:30 AM, meditates for 15 minutes, and begins his training by sunrise.

A sports nutritionist who worked with him recalled, “He tracks everything — from his sodium intake to hydration levels. He wants to understand what gives him a one percent edge.”

Sleep, recovery, physiotherapy, and ice baths — all are taken as seriously as sprint drills. This level of professionalism is what has allowed him to avoid major injuries despite a packed calendar.

Chasing Faster Competitors, Not Medals

Animesh is often asked what motivates him: fame, records, or international medals?

His answer is consistent — “I chase people who are faster than me.” That mindset has been his psychological edge. He never trains to beat a previous time, but rather imagines racing someone faster — an Olympic-level runner, a world-record holder, or even a fictional ideal version of himself.

This internal drive to push past his limits, to hunt speed, keeps him grounded and hungry. Even after his Federation Cup win, he was seen practicing the next day — not celebrating, but studying videos of his sprint, identifying where he could shave milliseconds off.

Support System and Family Role

Behind every successful athlete is a strong support system. For Animesh, his family has been a pillar of strength. His father once sold his scooter to buy Animesh his first pair of spikes. His mother, who initially worried about the financial instability of a sports career, is now his biggest cheerleader.

He also credits his coaching staff, physios, nutritionists, and fellow athletes for keeping him motivated. “No one wins alone,” he often says. “It takes a village.”

Looking Ahead: Paris and Beyond

With the Paris 2024 Olympics just behind him, where he narrowly missed qualification, Animesh is now targeting the 2026 Asian Games and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. His recent timings and improving consistency suggest he could very well be the face of Indian sprinting in the years to come.

Long-time athletics observers believe he could become the first Indian male sprinter to break the 20.5-second barrier in 200m — a milestone that would place him in elite global company.

Animesh Kujur's story is not just one of speed, but of purpose. He represents a new wave of Indian athletes — hungry, data-driven, respectful of the sport, and fiercely dedicated to self-improvement. His rise signals that India is no longer content to be just a participant in global athletics but is now nurturing champions who believe they can win.

In Animesh’s words, “Speed is not just about your legs. It’s about your mind, your preparation, your belief. If I can dream it, I can run it.”