Asian Games 2026: Gurindervir Singh, Animesh Kujur reach Men's 100m semifinals
Synopsis
India will have two sprinters in the men's 100m semifinals at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games — Animesh Kujur (10.36s) and national record holder Gurindervir Singh (10.38s) both qualified automatically on Thursday. With Thailand's Puripol Boonson threatening the Asian Games record at 9.95s, the Friday semis will be a genuine test of India's sprint ambitions on the continental stage.
Key Takeaways
Animesh Kujur qualified for the men's 100m semifinals by finishing third in Heat 1 in 10.36 seconds .
Gurindervir Singh advanced by finishing second in Heat 4 in 10.38 seconds .
Both Indians qualified automatically as top-three finishers in their heats at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium .
Thailand's Puripol Boonson was the heats' fastest with 9.95 seconds , just 0.03s off the Asian Games record.
The semifinals are scheduled for Friday at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games .
Animesh Kujur and national record holder Gurindervir Singh both advanced to the men's 100m semifinals at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Thursday, securing India two berths in one of the track programme's flagship events. The pair qualified through their respective heats at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, setting up a Friday semifinal showdown against Asia's fastest sprinters.
How India's Sprinters Qualified
Kujur ran Heat 1 in 10.36 seconds, finishing third to earn direct qualification. Despite appearing under pressure in the opening stages, he found a higher gear over the final 25 metres to move into the top three. Gurindervir clocked 10.38 seconds in Heat 4, crossing the line second to also advance automatically. The qualifying format allowed the top three finishers from each heat to progress directly, with the next six fastest athletes also earning semifinal places.
Who Led the Heats
The standout performance of the qualifying round belonged to Thailand's Puripol Boonson, who blazed through Heat 1 in 9.95 seconds — just 0.03 seconds outside the Asian Games record. China's Keli Zeng was second in that heat at 10.22 seconds. In Heat 4, Oman's Malham Al Balushi took the win in 10.29 seconds, with Iran's Hassan Taftian finishing third in 10.46 seconds.
What the Performances Mean for India
Gurindervir carries national record credentials into the semifinal, making his run particularly significant for Indian athletics. Kujur's campaign in Nagoya gains fresh momentum with this qualification, and his ability to lift in the final stretch suggests he has more to offer. Notably, both Indians finished within the automatic qualification band without needing to rely on the time-based wildcard slots, underlining their competitive standing in the field.
What Happens Next
The semifinals are scheduled for Friday at the same venue. A strong run from either sprinter could place them in contention for the final, where Boonson and other sub-10.30 qualifiers will provide stiff competition. For Indian athletics, a men's 100m final appearance at the Asian Games would represent a significant milestone on the continental stage.
Point of View
But the gap between their heat times (10.36–10.38s) and Boonson's 9.95s is substantial. The real measure of this campaign is whether either sprinter can get close to 10.20 in the semis; anything short of that and the final remains a distant prospect. India's sprint programme deserves the scrutiny — and, if Friday delivers, the credit.
NationPress
24 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Did India qualify for the men's 100m semifinals at the Asian Games 2026?
Yes, both Animesh Kujur and Gurindervir Singh qualified for the men's 100m semifinals at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Thursday. Kujur finished third in Heat 1 with 10.36 seconds and Gurindervir came second in Heat 4 with 10.38 seconds, both advancing automatically.
When are the men's 100m semifinals at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games?
The men's 100m semifinals are scheduled for Friday at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. Both Indian sprinters will compete in what is one of the marquee track events at the Games.
Who was the fastest sprinter in the men's 100m heats at Asian Games 2026?
Thailand's Puripol Boonson recorded the fastest time of the heats, clocking 9.95 seconds in Heat 1 — just 0.03 seconds outside the Asian Games record. His performance made him the clear favourite heading into the semifinals.
Who is Gurindervir Singh and why does he matter to Indian athletics?
Gurindervir Singh is India's national record holder in the men's 100m sprint. His qualification for the Asian Games 100m semifinal is significant for Indian athletics, as it reflects growing competitiveness at the continental level in a discipline India has historically not dominated.
How does the Asian Games 100m qualifying format work?
The top three finishers from each heat advance directly to the semifinals. Additionally, the next six fastest athletes across all heats also earn semifinal spots, giving competitors who miss the top three but run strong times a second route to progress.
