In a thrilling display of speed at the National Open Athletics Championships in Ranchi, Manikanta Hoblidhar secured the men’s 100m title with an astonishing time of 10.19 seconds. This performance not only shattered his own two-year-old meet record but also marked India’s second-fastest time ever in the event, narrowly missing the National record by just 0.01 seconds. The electric race unfolded at the Birsa Munda Stadium, Morabadi, on a challenging, rain-affected Sunday.
Despite the wet track conditions, the 24-year-old former National record holder showcased remarkable consistency and confidence. After matching the meet record of 10.23 seconds in the semifinals (originally achieved in Bengaluru), Manikanta surged ahead to decisively claim victory. He faced strong competition from Pranav Gurav, who finished second with 10.31 seconds, and Harsh Raut, who took third at 10.38 seconds.
“I was really aiming for 10.10 seconds, but the damp conditions definitely impacted my speed,” Manikanta shared after his win. Looking ahead, he expressed his ambitious goal: “My ultimate target is to clinch an individual medal at the 2026 Asian Games.” His previous personal best stood at 10.22 seconds, making his latest achievement a significant step forward.
However, the day wasn’t without its concerns, as two rising stars suffered alarming injuries. High jumper Gobika K. and sprinter Abinaya Rajarajan both endured serious setbacks.
High jumper Gobika in visible pain after sustaining a knee injury during the National Open athletics meet in Ranchi.
Gobika, after successfully securing the gold medal with a jump of 1.79m, tragically injured her right knee while attempting to improve her score. Her cries of excruciating pain echoed through the stadium as she was stretchered off the field.
In the women’s 100m, Abinaya, who has previously battled a lung condition, pushed through to finish third with a time of 11.67 seconds, behind Sneha S.S. (11.62s) and Sudeshna Shivankar (11.64s). Post-race, she collapsed with a severe groin issue and also had to be carried off the track, highlighting the demanding nature of elite athletics.
Elsewhere, Olympian quarter-miler Rajesh Ramesh delivered a strong performance, overtaking Santhosh T. in the final 80 meters to clinch the 400m gold with his season-best time of 45.75 seconds. In the men’s 110m hurdles, Manav R. successfully defended his gold medal with a time of 13.97 seconds, despite the absence of Tejas Shirse.
Final Results (Winners Only):
Men:
- 100m: Manikanta Hoblidhar (SSCB) – 10.19s (New Meet Record)
- 400m: Rajesh Ramesh (Rlys) – 45.75s
- 1500m: Sunil Dawar (SSCB) – 3:46.27
- 110m hurdles: Manav R. (Rlys) – 13.97s
- Discus: Kirpal Singh (ONGC) – 56.33m
- Decathlon: Usaid (SSCB) – 7212 points
Women:
- 100m: Sneha S.S. (Kar) – 11.62s
- 400m: Neeru Pathak (UP) – 52.85s
- 1500m: Lili Das (Rlys) – 4:15.59
- 100m hurdles: Nandhini K. (TN) – 13.57s
- High jump: Gobika K. (TN) – 1.79m
- Shot put: Yogita (Rlys) – 16.52m
- 4x400m mixed relay: Uttar Pradesh (Satish Kumar, Meenu Sahu, Nitin Kumar, Neeru Pathak) – 3:23.62