Intense rivalry augurs well for 100m male sprinters

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.