[Watch] Odisha Ace Animesh Kujur Sails Into 200m Semifinals At World University Games

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s champion sprinter Animesh Kujur broke little sweat en route to qualifying for the semifinals of the Men’s 200m event at the World University Games 2025 in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany.

The national record-holder won the first heat with ease, stopping the clock at 21.16 seconds.

South Africa’s teenaged sprinting sensation Bayanda Walaza, who won the 100m gold a day earlier, cruised into the 200m semifinals. He was one of five athletes to clock under 21 seconds in the heats.

Kujur will have to be at the top of his game to make the final and aim for a podium finish.

Kujur’s 20.32 seconds at the Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea two months ago rewrote his own national record of 20.40 earlier this year.