India’s Animesh Kujur, the national 200m record holder, achieved a personal best of 10.14 seconds in the men’s 100m final at the PUMA Fast Arms Fast Legs 2026 meet, finishing second. This marks the fastest 100m time ever recorded by an Indian on foreign soil, ranking second overall in India, just behind Gurindervir Singh’s 10.09 seconds. Animesh had earlier won his heat in 10.19 seconds before improving in the final race.
Animesh Kujur, already holding the national record in the men’s 200m, has solidified his position among India’s top 100m sprinters. He now boasts three of the top five fastest 100m times by an Indian, with his recent 10.14-second achievement. Animesh’s focus on the 100m comes after securing qualification for the Asian Games 200m event, clocking 20.74 seconds at the Inter-State National Athletics Championships in June, comfortably below the qualifying standard.
Despite his success in securing the Asian Games qualification, Animesh expressed dissatisfaction with his timing, emphasizing that qualification was his primary goal. His coach, Martin Owens, highlighted the emphasis on securing qualification over chasing fast times, especially after a demanding travel schedule. Animesh’s recent performance underscores his emergence as a prominent sprinter in India, particularly in the 100m category, ahead of the Asian Games.
