New Delhi: In a thrilling session on India’s burgeoning sports scene at Ekamra Sports Literature Festival, Animesh Kujur spoke at length about his journey. Sprinting sensation Animesh Kujur is a rising star in Indian athletics. Kujur has made waves in the track and field circuit with his exceptional timing, holding the second-best 200-meter time in India at 20.62 seconds. Impressively, he has run sub-21 seconds eight times this season, cementing his place as one of the country’s most promising sprinters.
Alongside Animesh was Martin Owens, head coach of the Odisha Reliance Foundation Athletics High-Performance Center, a hub for developing elite athletes. Martin has coached some of India’s top talents, including Bapi Hansda and Lalu Prasad, and has been instrumental in shaping Kujur’s sprinting career. Also part of the discussion was Rupinder Singh, a former National Junior Athletics Champion and founder of RPR Sports, who shared his insights into training the next generation of athletes in India.
The conversation kicked off with an intriguing question from the session moderator, a long-distance running champion himself, who jokingly acknowledged the irony of moderating a panel with sprinters. He highlighted the potential of Animesh Kujur to become the first Indian to run under 10 seconds in the 100-meter dash, akin to legendary sprinter Usain Bolt’s world record-breaking feats.
Martin Owens on India’s Athletic Potential
Martin Owens, in a heartfelt address, shared why he chose to come to India to accept the challenges of coaching the country’s emerging athletes. Drawing from his experience working in various athletic centers, Owens emphasized that India is a “sleeping giant” in terms of its athletic potential. He credited the support from the Odisha government, which has made significant investments in sports infrastructure, including building South Asia’s first indoor facility and offering state-of-the-art training equipment.
“The support from the government of Odisha and organizations like Reliance has been phenomenal,” Owens said. “We have a team of physiotherapists, sports scientists, and nutritionists, offering wraparound support to our athletes. This level of infrastructure and care is typically reserved for elite athletes in other countries, and it’s incredible that it’s available here.”
Discovering Talent in India
Owens went on to discuss the talent he has discovered and nurtured in India. He stressed that there is no shortage of raw talent in the country, with athletes excelling in running, jumping, and throwing events. “Talent is everywhere,” he remarked. “You don’t need to search for it; it’s right in front of you. All you need is the right coaching and support.”
He shared how Animesh Kujur stood out to him not just because of his natural ability but also because of his relentless determination. “Animesh pestered me until I agreed to coach him,” Owens recalled with a smile. “And I’m so glad I did. He’s a true champion in the making.”
Animesh Kuur’s Journey to Success
Animesh Kujur himself took the stage to share his journey. A former football player at Army School, Animesh was first introduced to athletics in 2020. Despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic, he continued to train on his own. His breakthrough came when he participated in a state meet in November 2020 and earned a spot in the National Junior Athletics Championships. His performance—11.17 seconds in the 100 meters and 22.58 seconds in the 200 meters—earned him a top-five finish in both events.
In 2021, Animesh’s dedication paid off as he achieved a personal best of 21.12 seconds in the 200 meters, which marked a turning point in his career. He has since continued to improve, setting his sights on breaking further records and making a mark at the international level.
With coaches like Martin Owens guiding him, the future looks incredibly bright for Animesh. His story serves as a reminder of the untapped potential in Indian athletics, and with continued investment in training facilities and programs, India could soon become a dominant force in sprinting on the global stage.
As Animesh continues to break records and set new personal bests, he is just one example of the many young athletes in India who are determined to take their sport to new heights. The future of Indian athletics is undoubtedly in capable hands.
India’s Sprinting Future Shines Bright Under Martin Owens’ Guidance
Animesh, who joined Reliance Foundation High-Performance Center in December 2022, credits his success to the transformative training he has received from Coach Martin Owens. Since then, Animesh has significantly improved his timing, cutting down his 100-meter sprint time from 10.8 seconds to 10.27, with Owens playing a crucial role in his development.
“I thank Coach Martin for believing in me and helping me reach my potential,” said Animesh during the candid conversation. “His training methods have taken me to new heights, and I can see the results in my improved times.”
Owens, a seasoned coach, expressed his belief in India’s sprinting potential, stating that with the right support and training, Indian athletes can reach global podiums, especially in relays. He emphasized the importance of exposure, referencing Animesh’s successful trip to Europe where he notched personal bests in multiple competitions.
“Animesh’s growth is just one example,” Owens said. “There is immense potential in India, and with a talented pool of young sprinters emerging, we can make a mark internationally. There’s no reason why an Indian team shouldn’t compete on the world stage.”
As Owens pointed out, countries like Japan and China, once not known for sprinting excellence, have managed to challenge traditional powerhouses in athletics. “India can follow that path,” Owens affirmed. “It’s all about developing talent, offering exposure, and giving athletes the right tools to succeed.”
Animesh, who recently earned a bronze medal at the BRICS Games in Russia, echoed this sentiment. “Europe provided a different level of competition and experience, and it gave me the chance to compete with the best. That kind of exposure is critical for growth.”
When discussing the future of Indian sprinting, Owens spoke passionately about the potential for relay teams. “The 4×100 relay is one of the most exciting events in athletics, and we have the talent to field a competitive team. With sprinters running 10.3 or quicker, there’s no reason why India can’t be competitive in relays at global championships.”
Despite the strides made, Owens emphasized the importance of not resting on laurels. “The standards are improving every year. Two years ago, a time of 10.5 seconds would win you a national championship. Now, sprinters are clocking 10.3. This is a huge improvement, but we have to keep pushing. Our focus should be on becoming competitive with countries like Japan and China in Asia, and eventually taking our place on the world stage.”
Owens also addressed the need for more international exposure. He mentioned the importance of sending sprinters to competitions such as the Diamond Leagues, which are now being telecast in India. “It’s critical to get more Indian athletes involved in global competitions to gain experience and improve their skills.”
Looking ahead, Animesh and his coach remain hopeful that India’s sprinting future is on the right track, driven by the right combination of talent, training, and exposure. “The potential is there,” Animesh concluded. “It’s just about keeping the momentum going and pushing ourselves beyond our limits.”
With experts like Martin Owens guiding young talents like Animesh, the dream of India becoming a competitive force in global sprinting seems more achievable than ever.
Indian Athletics: Bridging the Gap to Global Standards
Last year, Odisha saw its medal tally surge to over 60, a massive leap from previous years, thanks to its comprehensive support systems that include physios, nutritionists, and technical coaches.
Yet, despite these advancements, Indian athletes, particularly sprinters, still face significant hurdles. Unlike their global counterparts, such as those in Europe, who get multiple chances to race in top competitions, Indian athletes often have limited opportunities to showcase their talents. Animesh Kujur, who is striving for sub-10-second 100m sprints and sub-20-second 200m sprints, exemplifies the potential that Indian athletes possess. But as coach Martin points out, sprinting success requires years of hard work, long-term projects, and consistent competition.
While infrastructure is a critical part of the equation, it is the competition structure that is often missing. Athletes in India need more exposure to international events, which will allow them to test their mettle against the best in the world. The absence of frequent competitions means that Indian athletes often make mistakes in major events that they could have avoided with more regular competition.
Martin emphasized the importance of patience in the development of Indian athletics. “It might take another two Olympic cycles, but the hard work will pay off,” he says, citing examples like Milkha Singh, who ran 25 races in Europe leading up to the 1960 Olympics to secure his place on the podium. Similarly, India’s sprinters need more international exposure to hone their skills.
Investing in Indian Athletics: A Vision for Future Success
When asked about the current state of India’s athletics infrastructure, Martin Owens was candid. While acknowledging the progress, he highlighted the pressing need for more facilities like tracks, warm-up areas, and specialized training zones. “Yes, the infrastructure is always developing, but we still need more tracks, more warm-up areas, and even more pools. Infrastructure alone isn’t enough; it needs to be used effectively to drive athlete performance,” he emphasized.
The coach further drew attention to a key challenge: “You don’t necessarily need top-tier infrastructure, but it does make a huge difference. The facilities are only beneficial if we know how to utilize them strategically to support the athletes.”
The Cost of Success: Investment in Sport
A critical aspect of the conversation was the cost of athletic success. Referring to the UK’s financial commitment to Olympic medals, Martin Owens pointed out the importance of targeted investment. “If you look at the UK’s investment in their athletes, it’s around £1.3 million per medal at the Olympics. Success comes at a price,” he noted.
While recognizing that high-quality infrastructure requires significant funding, he stressed that the approach should be strategic. “It’s not just about spending money. It has to be targeted and sensible. The aim should be to support the entire athlete development process,” he said.
Education and Cultural Shifts: Sport as a Priority
In line with his views on infrastructure, the coach also emphasized the importance of integrating sport into the education system. He noted that this would have a long-term positive impact on India’s sports culture. “You’ve got to make sports compulsory in schools. It will take 15 to 20 years, but that’s where it starts. The public also needs to value sports more. It can’t just be about academics; they can go hand-in-hand.”
Drawing from his own experience, Martin Owens shared how a balanced focus on academics and athletics led to success. “In the UK, my best athletes were also my best students. The skills from academics transferred very well to sports,” he explained, advocating for a holistic approach to youth development.
More Than Just Stadiums: The Need for Training Facilities
One key takeaway from the discussion was the need for a shift in focus from just building large stadiums to creating training facilities that foster development at the grassroots level. “Big stadiums are for big competitions. But for training, you need the right facilities, not necessarily huge stadiums. The focus needs to be on the quality of training centers,” said Martin Owens.
The Role of Coaches and Mental Conditioning
In addition to physical training, the coach highlighted the importance of psychological support for athletes, especially when they are on the cusp of stardom. “Every athlete is different. Some handle pressure well, like Animesh, who is calm and people-oriented, while others might get nervous. As a coach, it’s crucial to provide individual attention and make them independent,” he added.
Building mental toughness early, such as exposing athletes to youth competitions like the Asian Youths or Asian Juniors, is key to preparing them for greater challenges. “The earlier they face competitive pressure, the better they can handle it as they move to bigger stages,” said Martin Owens.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Indian Athletics
As the conversation concluded, the coach expressed optimism about the future of Indian athletics, but underscored that it would take time, patience, and a collaborative effort across sectors to make India a global contender in sports. With the right investments in infrastructure, education, and mental conditioning, India has the potential to rise as a powerhouse in athletics. India’s success in sports, particularly athletics, depends on much more than the number of medals won. It requires a long-term vision—one that combines investment, infrastructure, and a cultural shift towards valuing sport at all levels. The journey ahead might be challenging, but with concerted efforts, India’s athletics ecosystem is poised to thrive.
