Animesh Kujur, Gurindervir Singh Break 100m National Record Twice in Minutes

Animesh Kujur (PTI file photo)

Animesh Kujur and Gurindervir Singh broke the men’s 100m national record within minutes of each other on the opening day of the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition on Friday. Representing Reliance, Gurindervir first broke Animesh’s 10-month-old national record of 10.18 seconds by clocking 10.17 seconds in the first semifinal heat. However, the record lasted only a few minutes as Odisha’s Animesh ran 10.15 seconds in the second semifinal heat to reclaim the national mark. Both sprinters will now face each other again in the final on Saturday. Animesh also went past the qualification mark of 10.16 seconds set by the Athletics Federation of India for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. "It's all about hard work," said a jubilant Animesh after the race.

The women’s long jump event also saw close competition between Shaili Singh and Ancy Sojan. Representing Indian Navy, Ancy won the event with a jump of 6.75m, improving the meet record of 6.64m set by Shaili in Kochi last year. Her series included jumps of 6.47m, 6.56m, 6.69m, 6.75m, 6.68m and 6.57m. Shaili, competing for the Anju Bobby George Sports Foundation, finished second with a best jump of 6.58m.

In the morning session, Deepak Bhatt of Uttarakhand won the men’s 10,000m race in 29 minutes and 42.93 seconds. Karnataka athlete Shivaji M appeared to suffer dehydration during the race in hot conditions and was helped by team coaches. In the women’s 10,000m race, Ravina Gayakwad of Maharashtra finished first with a timing of 35:30.98, which was below the 2026 Commonwealth Games qualification standard of 31:14.14.

The competition is also important because it marks the first time the AFI is conducting SRY Gene Tests at a national event to ensure that only biological females compete in the women’s category. The once-in-a-lifetime test will be conducted using either a cheek swab or blood sample. The AFI will also begin DNA testing of Indian athletes to collect and preserve data that may later be used for research, injury prevention and development purposes. The results of both the SRY and DNA tests will remain confidential.

Apart from being the final selection event for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, the May 22-25 Federation Competition will also act as trials for the first Asian U23 Championships in China from July 9 to 12.

Day 1 Results: Men: 10,000m: Deepak Bhatt (Uttarakhand) 29:42.93, Shailesh Kushwaha (Karnataka) 29:57. 56, Prashant Choudhary (Uttar Pradesh) 30:36.97. Hammer throw: Ashish Jakhar (SSCB) 68.52m, Damneet Singh (Reliance) 67.62m, Ajay Kumar (Haryana) 64.93m.

Women: 10,000m: Ravina Gayakwad (Maharashtra) 35:30.98 secs, Soniya (Uttarakhand) 36:16.22, Aarti Pawara (Maharashtra) 36:24.79 secs. Long jump: Ancy Sojan (Navy) 6.75m (MR), Shaili Singh (Anju Bobby George Academy) 6.58m, Bhavani Yadav (NCOE Bengaluru) 6.39m.