From Chhattisgarh's tribal village to global track: Jashpur’s Animesh Kujur becomes India’s fastest man; 'police parents shaped his discipline'

In a story that reads like a sports fairy tale, 22-year-old Animesh Kujur sprinted his way from the rustic fields of Ghuitangar village in Chhattisgarh’s tribal Jashpur district to the international tracks of Greece, shattering a national record on July 5, at the Dromia International Sprint Meet in Vari, Greece, clocking an astonishing 10.18 seconds in the 100-meter dash — the fastest ever recorded by an Indian athlete. Though he finished third behind competitors from South Africa and Oman, the timing set a new national record, breaking the previous mark of 10.20 seconds, and announced India’s arrival on the global sprinting map.Kujur, 22, who is now also serving as forest guard in state forest department, started off as a football player, when his speed was first caught the eye of a local coach during a state-level under-18 athletics tournament in Raipur. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated Animesh warmly, calling his achievement “a moment of immense pride” for the state and the nation. “Animesh’s historic accomplishments symbolize the power of belief and determination. His journey from a small tribal village to international glory will inspire millions of young athletes,” he said.Reflecting on his record-breaking run, Animesh humbly recalls, “When I was told I ran 10.18 seconds, I didn’t understand its significance. It was only after seeing it on TV and newspapers that I realized I had made history for India.”Animesh credits his admission to Sainik School Ambikapur as a turning point in his life. “The discipline and encouragement there changed my outlook,” he says. His father, Amrit Kujur, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, shares, “Getting into Sainik School was like a dream come true. That place instilled the focus and resilience he needed.”His first coach Dinesh Tandi told TOI, “Recognizing Animesh Kujur’s immense potential after initial performances in 2019, a giant foundation, known for promoting top-level athletes, selected Kujur for specialized training at their Odisha center in Bhubaneswar. Under the mentorship of expert coach Martin Owens, Kujur refined his technique and fitness, transforming from a raw tribal talent into a national sprinting sensation.”“His parents are both police officers, which instilled discipline in him early,” said the coach. “Animesh was bright since his childhood, we motivated him, got him admitted to engineering studies in Raipur, and trained him rigorously. Soon, Animesh broke the national record for 200 meters at the Under-23 Nationals in Bilaspur, clocking 21.12 seconds,” said Animesh’s father Amrit Kujur.From winning five gold medals in district-level events spanning sprints and jumps to competing nationally wearing professional spike shoes for the first time, Animesh’s journey is a testament to perseverance.Jashpur’s remote, forested terrain is not the usual breeding ground for international sprinters. Yet Animesh has shown that with the right support and opportunities, talent from India’s most marginalized regions can shine on the world stage.In 2022, he took up a job as a forest guard in Jashpur’s Forest Department, balancing his career with relentless training. Now, foreign coaches and athletics experts are closely watching his progress, marking him as a future medal contender in global events.With national and international records now under his belt, Animesh Kujur is eyeing bigger stages, including the Olympic Games. His story is a powerful reminder: talent combined with opportunity can break all barriers, whether economic, geographic, or social.From barefoot runs on muddy village paths to standing tall on global podiums, Animesh Kujur’s sprint is much more than a race, it’s a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience of Indian youth.