From Hubballi to the Asian Stage: Teen Sprinter Sayed Sabeer Shines with Silver
In the bustling city of Hubballi, Karnataka, where athletic dreams often bloom quietly, 17-year-old Sayed Sabeer has sprinted his way into the national spotlight. With sheer determination and unmatched focus, this young athlete has brought home a silver medal for India in the men’s U-18 medley relay at the prestigious 6th Asian U18 Athletics Championship, Saudi-2025 — an achievement that signals the rise of yet another Indian star in track and field.
Sprinting Toward Greatness
Currently training at the Khelo India State Center of Excellence in Bengaluru, Sabeer exemplifies the blend of discipline and talent needed to succeed in modern athletics. While many teenagers juggle studies and extracurriculars, Sabeer does so with the added pressure of elite-level competition, all while being a second-year PUC student at a private college.
His success story, however, didn’t unfold overnight. Sabeer’s journey into athletics began in Class 7, when he participated in the DYSS sports hostel selection trials. Recognizing his raw potential, he was selected for training at DYSS Dharwad, where he trained from 2020 to 2022 before transferring to DYSS Bengaluru. In 2023, he made another major leap — clearing the highly competitive Khelo India selection trials and earning a spot at the State Center of Excellence in Bengaluru.
A Decorated Journey So Far
Sabeer’s medal cabinet is already quite full. His achievements include:
- Gold medals at national championships
- Silver medals at South Zone competitions
- Bronze medals at state-level meets
Each of these medals stands as a milestone in a story still being written — a testament to his consistency, adaptability, and ability to perform under pressure.
But it’s not just about the medals. It’s about his long-term vision: to qualify for the 2026 World Athletics Championships (Under 20) and ultimately, the Olympics. For Sabeer, athletics is not a pastime — it’s a purpose.
The Power of Infrastructure and Support
Much of Sabeer’s success can be attributed to the Khelo India initiative, which has provided him with world-class training infrastructure, coaching, and support systems. For athletes like Sabeer, who come from modest backgrounds — his father is a railway employee — such support can make all the difference.
It’s no surprise then that international athlete and Indian Railways employee Kamala Siddi has taken note of Sabeer’s potential. “He’s a rare talent,” she remarked, emphasizing that this is a crucial phase in his development. She called on companies and organizations to extend CSR support, noting that what Sabeer needs now is motivation, mentorship, and backing.
Beyond the Finish Line: An Inspiration to Many
Sabeer’s story is one that resonates far beyond the confines of a stadium. It highlights how talent from India’s Tier-2 cities can flourish with the right exposure and encouragement. His story is a beacon of hope for countless young athletes training in small towns and government-run facilities across the country.
Balancing academics with training at an elite level is no easy feat. Yet Sabeer remains grounded, focused, and committed to both his studies and his sport. His dream? To set new records in the 200m and 400m events, and one day hear the national anthem playing for him on the Olympic podium.
The Road Ahead
With his eyes firmly set on the 2026 World Athletics Championship and beyond, Sabeer’s current focus is on fine-tuning his technique, building endurance, and mastering the sprint disciplines. He continues to train intensively under the guidance of expert coaches at the Khelo India Center, preparing to face increasingly tougher international competition.
However, dreams this big require more than just effort. They require funding, nutrition, physiotherapy, exposure to international events, and emotional support. While Sabeer has shown he has what it takes, sustained institutional and corporate support will be vital to ensure that his journey doesn’t just end at promise, but reaches podiums around the world.
A Nation Watches
As India continues its march toward becoming a global sporting powerhouse, stories like Sabeer’s serve as powerful reminders of the untapped potential that lies in its youth. His silver medal is not just a personal victory; it's a signal of what India’s sports ecosystem can achieve when talent meets opportunity.
For now, Sayed Sabeer runs not just for medals, but for dreams — his own, and those of countless others watching from Hubballi, Bengaluru, and across the country.
