Back to business in 2026: Indian sprinters gear up for medals at Asiad, Commonwealth Games
With the 2026 calendar featuring important assignments such as the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, an intense competition can be expected among Indian 100m male sprinters.
The year 2025 saw some sub-10.30 and sub-10.20 timings as the title of National Record holder changed hands from Gurindervir Singh (10.20) to Animesh Kujur (10.18). The quartet of Kujur, Manikanta Hoblidar, Gurindervir and Amlan Borgohain broke a 15-year-old National relay record by clocking 38.69.
Following a dull second half of 2025, the new year has raised hopes.
Former NR holder Hoblidar feels the intense rivalry is good for everyone. “The Indian 100m rivalry has become better, that’s why our races have become consistently good, everyone is aiming for national records and personal bests,” Hoblidar told Sportstar, following a training session at the Kalinga Stadium here.
“The healthy competition has pushed us. This way, we can take the Indian sprinting revolution forward.”
The Asian Games qualification mark of 10.16 has already set the bar high. Medalling in the continental event may be tougher as Thailand’s Puripol Boonson has pushed the limit up by clocking 9.94 last year.
Hoblidar is geared up to better his personal best from 10.19 to sub-10.10, but winning an Asian Games medal remains a priority for him. “Whatever the time be, I just want a medal,” said Hoblidar.
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Asian Championships 200m bronze medallist Kujur’s priority remains a podium finish in 100m and 200m at the Asiad.
“I’m working on my start to achieve 10.10 or 10.05m, and aim to medal in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. I want to be consistent in training and competition. With practice, we can develop mutual understanding for the relay,” Kujur said.
Pranav Gurav (10.27), Harsh Raut (10.22) and S.Tamilarasu (10.41) also clocked impressive marks in 2025. “The competition helped me get my personal best last year. My focus will be on individual events and qualifying for the Asian Games,” said Gurav.
Borgohain (10.43 in National Open) aspires to be back in 100m relay and is keen to overcome the nerves that held him back in the last Asian Games.
Borgohain said the camaraderie and trust among the sprinters held the key to success. “Team sport is different. How you’re outside the track will reflect on the track,” said Borgohain.
While competing with each other, Indian sprinters will need to develop better coordination to avoid repetition of faulty baton exchange and eventual disqualification in the Gumi Asian championships last year.
Published on Jan 27, 2026