Animesh Kujur emerged a comfortable winner in 200m.
| Photo Credit: R. RAGU
Odisha’s Animesh Kujur and Annu Rani of Uttar Pradesh were the main attractions late in the evening in the National inter-State athletics meet at the Nehru Stadium here on Saturday. The two were favourites to win their respective disciplines and confirm their spots through ranking points at next month’s World Championships in Tokyo.
Expectedly, Animesh and Annu won the gold medal in men’s 200m and women’s javelin throw respectively, but performed well below their personal best.
Though both are in a strong position to go to Tokyo, a clear picture will emerge once the final list is out next week.
Animesh emerged a comfortable winner with a new meet record time of 20.63s, finishing well ahead of Ragul Kumar (20.92) and Amlan Borgohain (21.19).
Watched by India’s javelin throw coach Sergey Makarov, Annu threw 61.05m to win gold. She started with 61.05m and followed up with 57.22, 60.21, 59.48, foul and 60.41.
“I hope to peak at the Worlds,” said Annu.
Annu Rani won the javelin title with an effort of 61.05m.
| Photo Credit:
R. RAGU
In men’s shot put, Madhya Pradesh’s Samardeep Gill upset Tajinderpal Toor Singh to win the gold medal with an attempt of 19.82m. The National record holder Tajinderpal could only manage a best of 19.41.
Moumita Mondal of West Bengal pushed favourite Shaili Singh to the second place, with an effort of 6.27m in the women’s long jump. Shaili cleared a distance of 6.18m.
Tamil Nadu’s S. Dhanalakshmi bagged a double, by winning the women’s 200m in 23.53s to go with the 100m she had won the other day.
The results: Men: 200m: Animesh Kujur (Odi) 20.63 (NMR) (OR: Animesh Kaur, Panchkula, 20.65s, 2024); 400m hurdles: Ruchit Mori (Guj) 49.76m; 800m: Krishan Kumar (Har) 1:48.41s; high jump: Sarvesh Kushare (Mah) 2.24m; shot put: Samardeep Gill (MP) 19.82m.
Women: 200m: S. Dhanalakshmi (TN) 23.53s; 400m hurdles: Ramandeep Kaur (Pun) 58.90s; 800m: Pooja (Har) 2:02.27s; long jump: Moumita Mondal (WB) 6.27m; discus throw: Seema (Har) 57.18m; javelin throw: Annu Rani (UP) 61.05m.
Published – August 23, 2025 10:27 pm IST
