National Youth Championships: Tamil Nadu sprinters claim 100m golds in Ludhiana

Tamil Nadu sprinters Neil Samraj R and T Mrithika won the men's and women's 100m finals at the National Youth Athletics Championships in Ludhiana on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, on the opening day of the meet.

Neil Samraj R recorded 10.46 seconds in the men's 100m, bettering the previous youth national record of 10.63 seconds set by Anshu Rajak in 2023 in Coimbatore, while T Mrithika clocked 11.78 seconds in the women's 100m, lowering the meet record of 11.80 seconds set by Dutee Chand in 2012 in Bengaluru. The two victories came as part of the opening-day programme of the championships.

In the men's 100m final Neil Samraj R (Tamil Nadu) took gold in 10.46 seconds. Mehebubul Ahamed (West Bengal) finished second in 10.74 seconds and Pushpendar Kumar (Delhi) was third in 10.81 seconds.

T Mrithika (Tamil Nadu) won the women's 100m in 11.78 seconds. Suchithra S (Karnataka) edged past Saawari Kulkarni (Maharashtra) to claim silver in 12.03 seconds, with Saawari recording 12.09 seconds for the bronze.

In the discus throw Oshin (Haryana) topped the podium with a throw of 45.98m. Dimpy Saini (Uttar Pradesh) took second with 43.22m and Mansi Dangi (Haryana) was third with 43.09m.

The Hindu published this report on September 02, 2026 01:00 am IST from Ludhiana.