From a promising young sprinter emerging from Chhattisgarh to rewriting India’s national records, Animesh Kujur’s journey encapsulates what happens when raw talent meets strategic support and global exposure. Backed by the Reliance Foundation and Sports Odisha, he trains at the high-performance centre in Bhubaneswar, under coach Martin Owens and international specialists. His recent opportunity to meet Usain Bolt through a collaboration with the sports brand PUMA in Mumbai adds a symbolic milestone to his budding career.
National Records, Global Ambitions
In 2025, Animesh clocked a staggering 10.18 seconds in the 100 m at the Dromia International Sprint & Relays meeting in Greece, a new Indian national record. He also holds the 200 m national record with 20.32 seconds, set at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi. These breakthrough results signal that India’s sprinting era is entering a new phase and RF’s role in shaping this trajectory is central.
A Once-In-A-Lifetime Moment
On September 29, 2025, at Khari Baoli, Delhi, Animesh encountered his childhood hero Usain Bolt in Mumbai during a PUMA event. The meeting was more than symbolic: Animesh discussed technical pointers with Bolt, who offered guidance on arm mechanics and sprint form. The moment showcased not just Animesh’s rise, but how RF’s athlete pathway now opens doors to the world’s elite, reinforcing that Indian talent can engage at global levels.
The RF High-Performance Framework
Animesh’s development is anchored by the Reliance Foundation Athletics High-Performance Centre in Bhubaneswar. Under RF’s ecosystem, he receives tailored coaching, sports science support, biomechanics assessment, strength-conditioning regimes and overseas training exposure.This structure has enabled Animesh to progress rapidly from national hopeful to record-holder and international competitor.
Moving Forward: Targets & Legacy
With national records secured, Animesh’s next mission is global competitiveness. His coach speaks of ambitions to break the sub-10-second barrier in the 100 m and push the 200 m times even lower. Supported by RF, Animesh is preparing for major international meets, aiming not just to compete, but to contend. His story offers a blueprint for India’s next generation of sprinters: talent plus structure plus global exposure.
Why This Matters
Animesh’s journey is a powerful testament to what modern Indian sport can achieve. His record-breaking times illustrate his speed; his meeting with Usain Bolt illustrates his ambition; and his association with RF illustrates the growing ecosystem supporting elite athletes in India. For many young athletes watching, his journey is proof that with the right backing, like that from Reliance Foundation, the fastest lanes no longer lie abroad, they can begin right here.