Hoblidhar returns from injury to win Indian national open 100m title

Manikanta Hoblidhar won the men's 100 metres at India's 65th National Open Athletics Championships on October 9, clocking 10.25 seconds as he returned from an injury layoff.

The 24-year-old from Karnataka competed at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Lalu Prasad Bhoi took second in 10.43 seconds, with Laukik Melge third in 10.45.

Hoblidhar told The Hindu he had hoped for a faster time but was affected by an upset stomach. He eased off near the finish, citing caution after a long absence. He said he aimed to run 10.00 seconds next season, while acknowledging that more work was needed to reach full fitness.

The sprinter sustained a hamstring injury at the national relay championships in March. He missed the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and World Relays. Hoblidhar said he regretted the effect his absence had on India's relay team and its medal prospects.

Manpreet Kaur won the women's shot put with 17.07 metres and was the only competitor to exceed 17 metres. Srishti Vig finished second with 16.11 metres and Rekha third with 15.72.

Competing in her first national-level event, 21-year-old Anjli won the women's 400 metres in a personal best of 53.37 seconds. Priya Mohan followed in 53.55 and Priya Thakur in 53.56. Moumita Mondal, also returning from injury, won the 100 metres hurdles in 13.48 seconds.

Akash Raj won the men's 400 metres in 46.24 seconds, finishing 0.02 seconds ahead of Vikrant Panchal. Arjun Waskale took the men's 1,500 metres in 3:43.04. Ankita Dhyani won the women's event in 4:13.18.

Servin Sebastian, who had led the racewalk half-marathon, dropped to fourth after receiving a two-minute penalty. Judges penalised him for loss of contact with the ground.