Amlan Borgohain, left, Manikanta and others are giving it their all on the coaching session in Bhubaneswar.
| Picture Credit score: BISWARANJAN ROUT
With the 2026 calendar that includes essential assignments such because the Commonwealth Video games and the Asian Video games, an intense competitors may be anticipated among the many Indian 100m male sprinters.
In 2025, we noticed some sub-10.30 and sub-10.20 timings because the Nationwide file modified arms 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 Nationwide relay file by clocking 38.69.
Following a boring second half of 2025, the brand new yr has raised hopes. Former Nationwide file holder Manikanta feels the extreme rivalry is sweet for everybody.
“The Indian 100m rivalry has change into higher, that’s why our races have change into persistently good, everyone seems to be aiming for nationwide information and private bests,” Manikanta instructed The Hindu, following a coaching session on the Kalinga Stadium right here. “The wholesome competitors has pushed us. This fashion we are able to take the Indian sprinting revolution ahead.”
The Asian Video games qualification mark of 10.16 has already set the bar excessive. Getting a medal within the continental occasion could also be powerful as Thailand’s Puripol Boonson has pushed the restrict up by clocking 9.94 final yr.
Manikanta is geared as much as decrease his private greatest from 10.19 to sub-10.10. However profitable an Asian Video games medal stays a precedence for him. “No matter be the time, I simply desire a medal,” mentioned Manikanta.
Asian championships 200m bronze medallist Kujur is eager to get a medal in 100m and 200m in the Asian Video games. “I’m engaged on my begin to obtain 10.10 or 10.05. Hope to medal within the Commonwealth Video games and Asian Video games. I need to be constant in coaching and competitors. With observe, we are able to develop mutual understanding for the relay,” mentioned Kujur.
Pranav Gurav (10.27), Harsh Raut (10.38) and S. Tamilarasu (10.22) additionally clocked spectacular marks in 2025.
“The competitors helped me get my private greatest final yr. My focus shall be on particular person occasions and qualifying for the Asian Video games,” mentioned Gurav.
Amlan Borgohain (10.43 in Nationwide Open) aspires to be again in 100m relay and is eager to beat the nerves that held him again within the final Asian Video games.
Borgohain mentioned the camaraderie and belief among the many sprinters held the important thing to success. “Staff sport is completely different. The way you’re outdoors the monitor will mirror on the monitor,” mentioned Borgohain.
Whereas competing with one another, Indian sprinters might want to develop higher coordination to keep away from repetition of defective baton trade and eventual disqualification on the Gumi Asian championships final yr.
Printed – January 27, 2026 06:55 pm IST