Neeru Pathak delivered a commanding performance at the U-20 Federation Cup, winning gold in the women’s 400m with a time of 54.31 seconds and comfortably breaching the Asian U-20 qualification standard.

Representing NCOE Trivandrum, Neeru led what turned out to be one of the most competitive races of the meet. Close behind her, Tahura Khatun secured silver with a remarkable lifetime best of 54.39 seconds, a massive improvement from her previous best of 56.01.

Bhoomika Nehate completed the podium, clocking a personal best of 54.68 seconds to take bronze.

The depth of the field was particularly striking, with seven out of eight finalists running faster than the Asian U-20 qualification standard.

At just 18, Mohammed Ashfaq is quickly becoming one of the most exciting names in Indian athletics. The Kerala sprinter delivered a stunning performance, clocking 46.05 seconds in the 400m, a new U20 national record and the fastest time in Asia this season.
What makes this run even more special is the scale of improvement. Ashfaq shaved nearly half a second off his personal best, a huge leap in a one-lap race. His timing now stands as India’s seventh fastest this season and places him 20th on the country’s all-time list.
His rise, however, has been building steadily. At the start of 2026, he ran 48.10s in Trivandrum. Soon after, he improved to 46.83s in New Delhi, showing clear progress.
At the ongoing Junior Federation Cup, he dominated the heats with 47.39s, breaking the Asian U20 qualification mark, and followed it up with another strong 46.83s in the semifinals.
Now, with both Asian and World U20 standards achieved, Ashfaq is knocking on the door of the elite sub-46 club. If this momentum continues, Indian 400m running may have found its next big star.

Abhay Singh underlined his rising stature as one of India’s brightest U-20 sprint talents with a sensational performance at the Junior Federation Cup.

Clocking a blistering 10.41 seconds in the men’s 100m final. In the process, he shattered the eight-year-old meet record of 10.47 seconds set by Gurindervir Singh.

The race marked a complete performance — a personal best, a meet record, and a statement of intent at the national level.

National junior champion Mohammed Ashfaq showed great form at the Junior Federation Cup in Tumkur, Karnataka.
He finished first in his heat of the men’s U-20 400m, clocking 47.39 seconds. This timing was not just the fastest in his heat—it was the fastest among all 10 heats in the event.
More importantly, Ashfaq crossed the qualification mark of 47.53 seconds, confirming his place for the Asian U-20 Championships.
Other athletes like Ranjith Kumar (47.70s) and Abhay Dubey (47.83s) also ran well, but they could not meet the qualification standard. Ashfaq was the only runner to achieve it.
He will now compete in the semi-final (Heat 1) at 5:20 PM today, carrying strong momentum.
Ashfaq’s 2026 season shows clear improvement. He started the year at the Indian Open 400m in Trivandrum, finishing 8th with 48.10s.
Later, at the Indian Athletics Series-3 in New Delhi, he won the final with an impressive 46.83s. This steady progress highlights his growing confidence and form.
Last year was even better for the young athlete.
Silver medal – 400m
Silver medal – Men’s 4x400m relay
Gold medal – Mixed 4x400m relay
At the South Asian Athletics Championships, he also clocked a personal best of 46.56s in the 400m.
He also became the U-20 National Champion in Bhubaneswar with a time of 46.86s.
With his qualification now secured, Mohammed Ashfaq is set to compete at his first international championship.

Vikrant Panchal is having a breakthrough season. The Indian quarter-miler recently dipped under the 46-second barrier for the first time, clocking 45.88s despite battling illness. In this conversation with Athletics India, Panchal opens up about his journey, setbacks, mindset, and what lies ahead.

Q: Your first sub-46 run — what does it mean to you?

Vikrant Panchal:
“It feels great. I started in 2017 with a time of 49.59s, so this has been a long journey. Last year, I ran 46.17 and felt I was close. This season didn’t start well either — I made mistakes in Jaipur and then fell sick. But I kept working. To finally run 45.88 means a lot.”

Q: You were unwell just before the race. How tough was it to compete?

Vikrant Panchal:
“It was very tough. I had fever, food poisoning, and was even hospitalised two days before. On race day morning, my temperature was 102°F. My parents told me to skip it, but I didn’t want to give up. That mindset comes from my idol, Mike Tyson — never back down.”

Q: Looking back, do you feel you missed opportunities earlier?

Vikrant Panchal:
“Yes, especially last year. I knew I was close to sub-46. Even at the Open Nationals, I felt I could have done it if I wasn’t unwell. That stayed with me.”

Q: Why did you choose the 400m?

Vikrant Panchal:
“It’s a very demanding event. You have to push through pain and stay in control. In the last 100m, it’s all about fighting. That challenge draws me to it.”

Q: What are your targets next?

Vikrant Panchal:
“The Federation Cup is next, and I want to improve further. I’m also aiming for the Asian Games — both in the relay and individually.”

Q: Tell us about your mindset during races.

Vikrant Panchal:
“I focus on running my own race. Before this run, I was watching Michael Johnson talk about the ‘4 Ps’ — push, pace, position, pray. I followed that, and it worked.”

Q: You enjoy running the relay anchor leg. Why?

Vikrant Panchal:
“I like pressure. Running last gives me responsibility, and I enjoy that. I also adjust my strategy depending on the race situation.”

Q: How important has your family been in this journey?

Vikrant Panchal:
“Everything I am is because of my father. He left his job to train me. We’ve had financial struggles, but my parents stood by me. I always say — respect your parents. I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Q: Final word on this season?

Vikrant Panchal:
“I just want to keep improving and never give up. No matter the situation, I’ll back myself and keep pushing.”

Animesh Kujur opened his outdoor season with a strong 10.28s to win the men’s 100m in a tightly contested race at the Indian Athletics Series–3 in New Delhi.

The race itself unfolded in phases. Gurindervir Singh was quickest out of the blocks, powering through the first 40 metres and setting the early pace. But the field began to close in, and Kujur responded with a well-timed surge through the latter half of the race.

Right alongside him was S. Tamilarasu, who stayed within touching distance, breathing down Kujur’s shoulder all the way to the finish. Both athletes were clocked at 10.28s, underlining just how close the contest was, with Kujur edging ahead for the win.

Gurindervir, after his fast start, settled for third in 10.40s.

Anusha Biswas, the 2024 Junior Nationals 100m bronze medallist, has been banned for four years by NADA’s Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP).

The 19-year-old sprinter was initially suspended in January 2025 after testing positive for Metandienone. She appealed the suspension, and her case was subsequently reviewed and adjudicated by the ADDP.

Biswas had recently broken the 12-second barrier at the Junior Nationals 2024, marking her as a rising sprint talent. Her four-year ineligibility period will be counted from January 8, 2025, sidelining her from all competitions until 2029.

The decision serves as a strict reminder of NADA’s zero-tolerance policy on doping, even among young and emerging athletes.