The Rise of Indian Sprinters: Chasing the Elusive 10.15 Second Mark

There’s an exhilarating buzz in Indian athletics as a group of sprinters threaten to crack the 10.15-second barrier in the 100 meters. This notable shift began in earnest in 2022, when Amlan Borgohain recorded a time of 10.25 seconds. Fast-forward to 2025, and the competition intensified: Manikanta Hoblidhar clocked 10.22 seconds, only to be overshadowed later that same day by Gurindervir Singh, who set a new benchmark of 10.20. Just a few months later, on July 5, Animesh Kujur, the face of Indian athletics, etched his name in the record books with a stunning 10.18 seconds.

The Historic Context

Over three years, four athletes reduced the national record by an impressive 0.08 seconds, a testament to the rise in competition and the dedication of these young sprinters. They’re not alone in their quest; at the ongoing national inter-state championships in Chennai, S Tamilarasu sprinted to a remarkable 10.22 seconds, placing him among the fastest Indians in history. His optimism about further lowering that mark adds to the anticipation surrounding this emerging crop of talent.

The Ripple Effect of Coaching

Behind the scenes, significant changes have been brewing, largely influenced by the entrance of James Hillier into India’s athletics framework in 2019. Formerly associated with England Athletics, Hillier’s mission involved professionalizing athletics in India by injecting high levels of technical expertise. Upon his arrival, he was met with skepticism: a general narrative suggested that Indian athletes were limited in their potential. Hillier, however, was determined to challenge this belief.

“Why can’t we?” he often pondered, pointing out that, amidst a population of 1.4 billion, even 6 percent having access to a track amounted to a considerable athlete pool. His vision wasn’t merely to coach; it was about transforming the ecosystem of Indian athletics.

Cultural Integration and Performance

From the outset, Hillier recognized the importance of cultural sensitivity. He aimed to embrace Indian traditions and values while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of what was deemed possible for Indian athletes. He proudly noted the collaborative efforts with Martin Owens, a prominent figure in coaching Animesh Kujur. “What you are seeing is the result of Martin,” Hillier remarked, highlighting the ripple effect of their efforts as athletes who’ve never trained directly under their guidance are also achieving success.

Record-Breaking Momentum

This cultural and structural shift has already manifested in tangible results. Over the last two years, Indian athletes have set new benchmarks not just in sprinting but also in relay events, as well as in the two high hurdles. The dividends of this cohesive approach—merging high expertise with deep respect for local culture—are being reflected in improved performances across the board.

The atmosphere is electric as these athletes gear up for future competitions, and the prospects of breaking through established records seem increasingly within reach. The next few years may very well see Indian sprinters not just competing, but dominating on the global stage.