A 20-year-old sprinter from Odisha, has catapulted himself to national fame by clinching the gold medal in the 200m race at the national level. Hailing from a family deeply rooted in sports, Animesh’s journey to the pinnacle of athletics is marked by unexpected turns, unwavering dedication, and remarkable transformation.

Unlike many athletes who start young, Animesh’s foray into athletics began relatively late. Until his graduation from Sainik School in his hometown, he primarily played football as a forward. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic altered his trajectory. The day after he completed school, the nationwide lockdown commenced. During this period, Animesh took to jogging with his friends from Army School, a routine that lasted for a year. It was during these jogs that a friend informed him about an upcoming State Athletics meet.

With little experience but a lot of determination, Animesh decided to participate. To his surprise, he not only competed but also qualified for the nationals, finishing fifth in both the 100m and 200m races. His performance caught the attention of his parents, who encouraged him to pursue athletics seriously, seeing a promising future for their son in the sport.

Animesh’s journey took a pivotal turn when he encountered a foreign coach at a training session. Despite never having spoken to a foreigner before, Animesh mustered the courage to approach him. The coach, impressed by Animesh's physique and performance, believed he had the potential to become a world-level athlete and agreed to train him. This marked the beginning of a transformative phase in Animesh's career.

Under the guidance of this coach and the foundation supporting his nutrition, Animesh began to hone his skills and build his strength. He credits part of his physical robustness to the rigorous punishments meted out at Army School, which inadvertently prepared him for the grueling demands of competitive athletics. The coach particularly focused on refining Animesh's start, which had been a weakness. By improving his mobility and early acceleration, Animesh began to see significant improvements in his sprinting abilities.

Animesh’s hard work and perseverance paid off spectacularly. In just two and a half years, he transformed from a football player into the second-fastest Indian sprinter of all time in the 200m. His rapid rise in the sport is a testament to his dedication and the support he received from his family and coaches.

Looking ahead, Animesh plans to compete in several races in Europe before returning to India for the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in June. His story is not just one of athletic achievement but also of resilience and the courage to seize opportunities. Animesh Kujur’s journey from a school footballer to a national sprinting champion serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country, proving that with hard work and determination, extraordinary dreams can indeed come true.

Reflecting on his future, Animesh is determined to qualify for the Olympics. His goal is clear to continuously improve his time and inch closer to the Olympic standard. With only one and a half months left to achieve this, he is fully committed to giving his best effort. With eyes set firmly on his target, Animesh embodies the spirit of a true champion, showcasing the resilience and dedication needed to turn extraordinary dreams into reality.