Asian Games 2026: Animesh Kujur and Gurindervir Singh qualify for men's 100m semi-finals
Both Indian athletes qualified for the last four!
India’s athletics contingent got a huge boost in their medal charge at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Thursday, September 24. Indian sprinters Animesh Kujur and Gurindervir Singh both qualified for the men’s 100m semi-finals on Day 5 of the continental tournament.
Kujur, taking part in Heat 1, had a slow start to the race. However, the 23-year-old made up ground in the last 25 metres, finishing third with a time of 10.36 seconds, securing direct qualification to the semi-finals.
Thailand’s Puripol Boonson won the heat with a season-best time of 9.95s, followed by China’s Keli Zeng, who clocked 10.22s.
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Gurindervir, taking part in Heat 4, had a much better outing. With a personal best of 10.09 seconds, the 25-year-old was a heavy favourite to make it to the semi-finals, and he did not disappoint.
He finished second with a time of 10.38s, just behind Oman’s Malham Al Balushi, who clocked 10.29s. The pair, along with Iran’s Hassan Taftian, secured direct entries to the semi-finals.
The semi-finals will take place on Friday, September 26, from 4:03 PM onwards.
Also Read: What time will Animesh Kujur be in action at Asian Games 2026?
India chasing athletics gold
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Both Gurindervir and Kujur remain in contention to clinch India’s maiden gold medal in athletics at the Aichi-Nagoya Games. Asha Ilango and Niharika Vashisht finished fourth and ninth, respectively, in the women’s triple jump, while Anamika Kozhinjaparambil and Pooja Sharma are taking part in the women’s heptathlon.
Meanwhile, India will look to defend their men’s and women’s javelin throw titles in the coming days, although neither of the reigning champions – Annu Rani and Neeraj Chopra – is in the current athletics contingent.
Which Indian athletes qualified for the men’s 100m semi-finals at Asian Games 2026?
Animesh Kujur and Gurindervir Singh both qualified for the men’s 100m semi-finals after advancing from their respective heats.
How did Animesh Kujur & Gurindervir Singh perform in the men’s 100m heats?
Kujur overcame a slow start to finish third in Heat 1 with a time of 10.36 seconds. Gurindervir produced a strong run to finish second in Heat 4 with a time of 10.38 seconds. Both secured direct qualification for the semi-finals.
When are the men’s 100m semi-finals at the Aichi-Nagoya Games 2026?
It is scheduled to take place on September 26 from 4:03 PM IST onwards.
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