Intense rivalry augurs well for 100m male sprinters

With the 2026 calendar featuring important assignments such as the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, an intense competition can be expected among the Indian 100m male sprinters.

In 2025, we saw some sub-10.30 and sub-10.20 timings as the National record changed hands from Gurindervir Singh (10.20) to Animesh Kujur (10.18). The quartet of Kujur, Manikanta Hoblidhar, 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 National record holder Manikanta 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,” Manikanta told The Hindu, 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. Getting a medal in the continental event may be tough as Thailand’s Puripol Boonson has pushed the limit up by clocking 9.94 last year.

Manikanta is geared up to lower his personal best from 10.19 to sub-10.10. But winning an Asian Games medal remains a priority for him. “Whatever be the time, I just want a medal,” said Manikanta.

Asian championships 200m bronze medallist Kujur is keen to get a medal in 100m and 200m in the Asian Games. “I’m working on my start to achieve 10.10 or 10.05. Hope 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,” said Kujur.

Pranav Gurav (10.27), Harsh Raut (10.38) and S. Tamilarasu (10.22) 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.

Amlan 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 at the Gumi Asian championships last year.