Animesh Kujur Sets New National Record in 100m at Federation Cup 2026
Record-Breaking Performance in Ranchi
Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], May 23: Animesh Kujur achieved a remarkable feat by breaking the national record in the men's 100m event during the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition 2026 held in Ranchi on Friday.
In the semifinals of the men's 100m, Gurindervir Singh, aged 25, initially surpassed Animesh's previous record of 10.18 seconds, which was established last year, clocking in at 10.17 seconds in the first semifinal heat. However, Animesh, who is 22 years old, reclaimed his title in the subsequent semifinal with a time of 10.15 seconds.
Additionally, Animesh's performance exceeded the 10.16 seconds benchmark set by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) for Commonwealth Games qualification, as reported by Olympics.com.
The final of the men's 100m will see a direct competition between Animesh and Gurindervir on Saturday. The Federation Cup is recognized as one of India's top athletics events and serves as the sole selection trial for the Commonwealth Games 2026, which will take place from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland.
With a limit of 32 track-and-field athletes allowed per country for the CWG 2026, the AFI has established stringent qualification criteria. Athletes must surpass the national record in the 100m to qualify.
The opening day of the event also showcased finals in the 10,000m, hammer throw, and women's long jump.
Asian Games silver medalist Ancy Sojan topped the women's long jump with a personal best of 6.75m, followed by Shaili Singh at 6.58m and Bhavani Yadav at 6.39m.
In the women's discus throw, Seema surpassed the entry standard of 56.85m for CWG 2026, achieving a distance of 57.29m to secure first place, with Nidhi Rani (55.05m) and Krishna Jayasankar (55.00m) following.
- Federation Cup Athletics 2026: Day 1 Results
Men's 10,000m (CWG qualification – 27:39.03): 1. Deepak Bhatt (29:42.93s); 2. Shailesh Khushwaha (29:57.56s); 3. Prashant Chaudhary (30:36.97s)
Women's 10,000m (CWG qualification – 31:14.14): 1. Ravina Gayakwad (35:30.98s); 2. Soniya (36:16.22s); 3. Aarti Pawara (36:24.79s)
Men's Hammer Throw (CWG qualification – 73.09m): 1. Ashish Jakhar (68.52m); 2. Damneet Singh (67.62m); 3. Ajay Kumar (64.93m)
Women's Long Jump (CWG qualification – 6.84m): 1. Ancy Sojan (6.75m); 2. Shaili Singh (6.58m); 3. Bhavani Yadav (6.39m)
Women's Discus (CWG qualification – 56.85m): 1. Seema (57.29m); 2. Nidhi Rani (55.05m); 3. Krishna Jayasankar (55.00m)
Men's 3000m Steeplechase (CWG qualification – 8:30.26s): 1. Balkishan (8:56.01s); 2. Sharuk Khan (8:56.63s); 3. Sunil Jinabhai (8:58.3s)
Women's 3000m Steeplechase (CWG qualification – 9:27.41s): 1. Ankita (9:48.16s); 2. Prachi Devkar (10:16.29s); 3. Anju (10:28.23s).