The Birsa Munda Stadium in Morabadi hosted the National Open Athletics Championships 2025, which featured high-intensity action, records, and setbacks. Sprinter Manikanta Hoblidhar delivered a memorable performance by winning the men’s 100m gold in 10.19 seconds.
The timing stands as the second fastest ever by an Indian and beats his own meet record from two years ago. Earlier in the semifinals, Manikanta equalled his previous mark of 10.23, showing incredible consistency.
The 24-year-old athlete missed Animesh Kujur’s national record by just 0.01 seconds. Reflecting on his race, he confessed that the wet track slowed him down, since he had hoped for a faster 10.10. His long-term goal remains to secure an individual medal at the 2026 Asian Games. Pranav Gurav (10.31) and Harsh Raut (10.38) finished second and third in the 100m final.
In the women’s 100m, Sneha S.S. edged Sudeshna Shivankar for gold, with Abinaya Rajarajan finishing third before being carried off the track due to injury. Another setback occurred when high jumper Gobika K., who had cleared 1.79m to earn gold, hurt her right knee while attempting a higher leap.
