India’s ‘Usain Bolt’ Shines At Greece! Animesh Kujur Becomes Fastest Indian To Achieve THIS Feat

In a first for Indian sports, 22-year-old Animesh Kujur has broken the national 100m record with a 10.18-second effort at the Dromia International Sprint & Relays Meet in Greece. The effort not only broke records – it rekindled a dream long considered impossible: an Indian sprinter joining the talk that’s dominated years by the great Usain Bolt.

MEET THE FASTEST EVER MAN IN INDIA 🇮🇳

– Animesh Kujur now holds the National Record In Men’s 100 (10.18s) & 200m (20.32s)

Both the National Records are set in 2025! 🔥pic.twitter.com/vFGEnAsuAQ https://t.co/mmpbmG9eqD

— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) July 5, 2025

Kujur’s blistering dash was at a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meet, an elite competitive level that consistently showcases top international competitors. With this dash, he broke the former Indian record of 10.20s and improved upon his personal best of 10.27s, cutting almost a tenth of a second, an eternity in sprints.

🚨 ANIMESH KUJUR BROKE 100M NATIONAL RECORD BY CLOCKING 10.18s 💪🔥 pic.twitter.com/eLpugLUIF8

— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) July 5, 2025

From Odisha to the World

From Odisha, Kujur’s own story is one of grit, science-tested training, and accuracy. This 100m performance and his 200m national record of 20.32 seconds earlier this year make him currently the first Indian ever to have both national records to himself at the same time – a distinction that makes him a class above everybody else locally.

But how does Kujur’s speed measure up against the rest of the world?

The Shadow of Bolt

To comprehend the extent of Kujur’s greatness, one needs to consider the case of Usain Bolt, history’s fastest man. Bolt’s 9.58-seconds 100m world record, which he set in 2009, still stands tall. Even at major finals, Jamaican great would simply stroll home in sub-9.80 times.

By comparison, Kujur’s 10.18s would sound humble. But that mark would’ve been good enough to make the semifinals at most world championships and for India, where track hasn’t been the lead attraction, it’s a seismic shift.

Bolt, in a lot of ways, redefined what human velocity is. For India, Animesh Kujur is now remaking what’s possible from this corner of the planet.

“Mr. Consistent” and the Road Ahead

Nicknamed in Indian running circles as “Mr. Consistent,” Kujur’s emergence wasn’t a flash in the pan. His form, mental toughness, and work ethic have caused him to continue improving. This isn’t one magnificent run, it’s the result of years of dedicated training, and probably only the start.

Indian Athletics Responds

Social media exploded with joy, and fans, players, and officials alike hailed Kujur. The Odisha government hailed his performance as “a proud reflection of India’s growing stature in global athletics.” Speculation has already begun among analysts: can this be the man who will propel India under the 10-second mark?

The Sub-10 Dream – Is It Within Reach?

To be part of the pantheon of world sprinting heroes, to break 10 seconds is the ultimate test. It has been achieved legally in competition by fewer than 180 runners in history. An Indian name has never been included on that list.

But with Kujur at 10.18s at an age of just 22, the dream no longer seems like a fantasy.

Looking Ahead

Kujur now sets his sights on the Asian Athletics Championships, World Championships, and the Paris 2026 Olympic qualifiers. As India gradually builds a possible 4x100m relay team, his fitness will be crucial not only as an individual sprinter, but also as a foundation of team triumph.

Animesh Kujur’s National Records (2025)