Federation Cup speed war: Animesh takes Gurindervir’s 100m national record in dramatic sprint within 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 Senior Athletics Federation National Competition on Friday.Gurindervir representing Reliance first broke Animesh’s 10-month-old national record of 10.18 seconds when he clocked 10.17 seconds in the first semi-final heat.However, the record lasted only a few minutes as Odishina Animesh ran 10.15 seconds in the second semi-final heat to claim the national mark.The two sprinters will now meet again in the final on Saturday.Animesh also broke the qualifying 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 also saw close competition between Shaili Singh and Ancy Sojan.Ancy, representing the Indian Navy, won the event with a jump of 6.75m, bettering the event record of 6.64m set by Shaili in Kochi last year. Her streak included jumps of 6.47m, 6.56m, 6.69m, 6.75m, 6.68m and 6.57m.Competing for Anju Bobby George Sports Foundation, Shaili finished second with a best jump of 6.58m.In the morning session, Uttarakhand’s Deepak Bhatt won the men’s 10,000 m race in 29 minutes 42.93 seconds.Karnataka athlete Shivaji M suffered dehydration during the race in hot conditions and was helped by team trainers.In the women’s 10,000m, Maharashtra’s Ravina Gayakwad finished first in 35:30.98, below the 2026 Commonwealth Games qualifying standard of 31:14.14.The competition is also important because it is the first time that AFI has conducted SRY gene testing at a national event to ensure that only biological women compete in the women’s category.The once-in-a-lifetime test will be done using either a cheek swab or a blood sample.The AFI will also begin DNA testing of Indian athletes to collect and store data that can later be used for research, injury prevention and development purposes. SRY and DNA test results will remain confidential.As well as being the final selection tournament for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, the federation’s May 22-25 competition will also serve as a trial for the first Asian U23 Championship in China from July 9-12.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) 35:30.98s, Soniya (Uttarakhand) 36:16.22, Aarti Pawara (Maharashtra) 36:24.79s.Long Jump: Ancy Sojan (Navy) 6.75m (MR), Shaili Singh (Anju Bobby George Academy) 6.58m, Bhavani Yadav (NCOE Bengaluru) 6.39m.