Jaipur, 4 December (H.S.): CB Shintoman of Mahatma Gandhi University stunned spectators on Wednesday by setting a new record in the men’s 110m hurdles at the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2025. The 23-year-old athlete clinched the gold medal with a time of 14.32 seconds, surpassing the previous meet record of 14.40 seconds.

Hailing from Erattayar village in Idukki district, Kerala, Shintoman’s journey from playing football and working in cardamom plantations to becoming a national-level hurdler is inspirational. Until 2021, his life revolved around studies, school football, and seasonal labor. His raw athletic talent was spotted during a school football match by Kerala Sports Council Academy coach Baiju Joseph, who transitioned him into athletics.

Starting with 400m and high jump events, Shintoman gradually found his niche in the 110m hurdles.In just two years, Shintoman has shown remarkable improvement. At the thrilling final held in Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, he narrowly edged out Shivaji University’s Vikas Anand Khodke (14.516 seconds) and Calicut University’s Rahil Sakir VP (14.518 seconds) to claim the top spot.

After the victory, Shintoman told Sai Media, “This is my first KIUG gold, and the competition was very tough. To compete and win gold in my debut is very special to me.”Despite his achievements, Shintoman’s family, who rely on his father’s work as a painter, remain largely unaware of his sports success. Reflecting on his childhood, he said, “There was never a sporting environment at home. Even now, they don’t know much. But with the support of my college and coach, I have reached this stage.”

Shintoman has his eyes set on the national record of 13.41 seconds held by Tejas Shirke. He recorded a personal best of 14.18 seconds at the All India University Games last year and clocked 14.25 seconds at this season’s Inter State Senior Athletics Championship.His rise from laboring in cardamom fields to breaking records at the national level has been life-changing.

“This gold inspires me to work harder. To represent the country, I must further improve my speed and technique,” he said.Currently training under Julius J. Manyani at St. Dominic College, Kottayam, Shintoman is gearing up for a busy 2026 season.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar