By India has produced some of the finest athletes over the last few years, and the track and field scene is no exception. While cricket often grabs the headlines, Indian runners have been making waves on the international stage. Not one or two, but several runners have made the nation proud. Therefore, listing the top 10 runners in India is not easy for anyone who knows the strength, dedication, and passion required to be a remarkable sportsman. In this blog, you will explore the best runner in India and their contribution to the sport.
Who Are the Top 10 Runners in India? Complete Breakdown
The top 10 runners in India include both male and female athletes. Let’s explore the top fastest runners in India who have made and broken the records.
1- Milkha Singh
When it comes to the best athlete in India, people think of Milkha Singh. He is one of the most iconic names in Indian athletics and is a testament to hard work and determination. Born in 1929, Milkha is the first Indian to win a gold medal. He has been ranked among the top 10 runners in India for his running style.
2- Norman Pritchard
Born in 1877 to British parents, Norman Pritchard was the first Asian athlete to win an Olympic medal. Competing in the 1900 Paris Olympics, Pritchard earned two silver medals in the 200 meters and 200-meter hurdles. He is counted among the top 10 runners in India due to his early contributions to the country’s track-and-field legacy.
3- PT Usha
PT Usha is the first female runner in India to rank in the top 10 list. Fondly called the ‘Queen of Indian Track and Field’, Usha’s remarkable career includes 11 Asian Games medals and 4 gold medals. Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha is an inspiration to future female athletes who want to make a name for themselves in the sports world. Her journey is full of achievements; the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri are among the honours bestowed on her, making her the most inspirational and powerful woman in sports.
4- Anil Kumar Prakash
Anil Kumar Prakash made waves in the evolving world of sports by becoming the first Indian to run 100 metres in under 10.4 seconds. His dedication to sports helped him bag numerous national and international championships, making him one of the top 10 runners in India. His breathtaking performance at the 2002 Asian Games was a career highlight. As running is a part of India’s growing sports, Anil has paved the way for future runners to focus on speed events.
5- Lalita Babar
Another female runner in India is Lalita Babar, who has emerged as a key figure in the country’s long-distance running. In 2006, she made history by becoming the first Indian woman to qualify for the 3,000 metres steeplechase event at the Rio Olympics. With a career filled with national titles and international recognition, she has secured a place among the top 10 runners in India. She represents the perfect example of how focus and consistency can help athletes rise through the ranks and make their mark on the world stage.
The Power of Pace: Fastest Runners in India
6- Manikanta Hoblidhar
One of the fastest sprinters India has seen in recent years, Manikanta has set numerous national records for his running pace. His specialisation in the 100 metres and 200 metres events has earned him accolades at both national and international levels. With his explosive speed, Manikanta is known as one of the most promising athletes among the top 10 runners in India, and his potential continues to shine in global competitions.
7- Amlan Borgohain
Amlan Borgohain is one of the top 10 fastest runners in India. Hailing from Assam, Amlan specialises in the 100 metres, and his remarkable achievements, including breaking the 100m national record, have propelled him to the forefront of Indian sprinting. Borogohain’s incredible speed has placed him on the list of the top 10 runners in India, and he is expected to be a key contender in international competitions in the years to come.
8- Amiya Kumar Mallick
Amiya Kumar Mallick is another shining star from the sports world. He is known for his dominance in the 100 metres and 200 metres. Amiya represented India in numerous international competitions, earning several medals along the way. His speed, agility and consistency have made him one of the top 10 runners in India, and he continues to be a significant figure in the sprinting world.
9- Gurindervir Singh
The next name on the list of the top 10 fastest runners in India is Gurindervir Singh from Punjab, who has made a name for himself in the 200 metres and 400 metres events. Known for his endurance and sheer speed, Gurindervir has been a strong competitor in national and international races. His dedication to the sport has made him one of India’s most promising sprinters, and he remains a part of the top 10 runners in India.
10- Rachita Mistry
Rachita Mistry is the most inspiring female runner in India. She excels in the 100 metres and 200 metres and is considered one of the fastest runners in India. Rachita’s mind-blowing performance on the national stage has earned her several accolades. Though still relatively young, her incredible consistency and growing track record make her one of the future stars in Indian athletics.
Note: This list does not follow a specific ranking criterion; it highlights popular and emerging athletes to support their recognition in the sports community, acknowledging that each has shown exceptional promise at a young age.
Beyond the Finish Line
The road to greatness is often filled with challenges, whether it is training in harsh conditions, overcoming injuries or battling against a lack of resources. However, these top 10 runners in India have proven that perseverance and passion are the key ingredients for success. As the country continues to nurture its athletic talent, the future looks bright for aspiring runners. We can expect more stories of excellence with this revolutionisation.
