Published: 12:01 AM, 27 October 2026
Primary objective was not records, but to secure a medal for team: Imranur
The primary objective was not to set records, but to secure a medal for his team-a goal that Bangladesh's fastest man, Imranur Rahman, has successfully achieved.
Representing the Bangladesh Navy, Imranur won the gold medal in the men's 200-meter sprint at the 18th National Summer Athletics Championships, clocking a time of 21.18 seconds. However, he does not intend to stop here; his sights are set on delivering even better performances and representing Bangladesh on the international stage.
Expressing satisfaction with his performance, Imranur noted that he aims to build on the experience gained from his 100-meter and 200-meter training. He believes that with consistent practice, further improvement is well within reach.
Reflecting on his 200-meter gold, Imranur shared that he has received tremendous support from both his team and the people of Bangladesh. He also expressed his gratitude to everyone who has stood by him throughout his journey.
Ultimately, his main focus was securing a medal for his team rather than achieving personal milestones. Imranur explained that he did not step onto the track with the specific intention of breaking records; his priority was simply to complete the race and ensure a medal for his team. He noted that his current performance is already close to the national record, and with the right training, breaking that record is a realistic possibility.
Looking ahead, a major goal for Bangladesh is the South Asian Games (SA Games). According to Imranur, structured training-geared toward national-level competitions in January and the SA Games in April-is crucial. He remains optimistic that, through collective effort, it is possible to achieve strong results in international competitions.
The sprinter also emphasized the need for long-term training programs, sponsorship support, and effective assistance systems to foster the development of athletics in Bangladesh. He pointed out that many athletes in the country are forced to balance their training with full-time jobs, which makes it difficult to dedicate their full focus to the sport.
To excel at the international level, talent alone is not enough; it requires regular training camps, high-quality coaching, access to medical care, and a robust support system. Referring to the facilities available to athletes abroad, Imranur notes that in many countries, athletes are able to focus entirely on their training and performance because they have access to the necessary support and resources. It is essential to ensure a similar environment for athletes in Bangladesh.
He views the initiative to identify young talent as a positive step. According to him, the federation has already begun the process of scouting for talent. The next step is to elevate these talents to an international standard through long-term training and adequate support.
Following his gold medal win at the national championships, Imranur has set his sights on even greater goals. For him, consistent improvement, the success of the team, and achieving strong results for Bangladesh on the international stage are more important than personal records.
