Uttar Pradesh’s Nipam had a record-breaking performance at the U-20 Federation Cup 2026. On Friday, April 24, Nipam set a new national record in the U-20 women’s 100m event with a timing of 11.53s. With that she has bettered the previous record scored by Abhinaya Rajarajan of 11.54s.
Nipam was on the money right from the heats, clocking 11.66s, which is better than the qualification standard set by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) for the 2026 Asian U20 Athletics Championships. She further improved her timing to 11.60s in the semi-finals before shattering the national record in the final.
Meanwhile, India’s Abhay Singh set a meet record in men’s 100m, with a timing of 10.41s. His performance also bettered the qualification mark of 10.46s for the Asian U20 Athletics Championships. Two years back, Abhay had served as the guide runner to blind sprinter Simran Sharma during her medal win at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
Other athletes breaching the qualification standards include Amanat Kamboj in discus throw, Muskan and Sonam Parma in 5,000m, B Sowndharya in pole vault, Bhoomika, Kavita, Tahura, Thiya, and Lakshita in 400m.
The 24th National Junior U-20 Athletics Federation Competition 2026 is currently ongoing from April 24 to 26, 2026 at the Mahatma Gandhi Stadium in Tumkur, Karnataka. This event serves as a critical qualification trial for the World Athletics U-20 Championships Oregon 2026 and the Asian U20 Athletics Championships.
