Sanju Samson Foundation sponsors sprinter TM Atul after record win

TM Atul, a 15-year-old sprinter, took gold in the 100 meters at the Kerala State School Athletics Meet in Kozhikode on October 29, 2026. He finished with a time of 10.63 seconds, a performance that secured the win and established a new meet record. This victory marks another significant milestone in the young athlete's career.

Hailing from a fishing family in Mararikulam, Atul has seen his progress supported by the Sanju Samson Foundation. The organization has pledged to cover his training and competition expenses, including travel, specialized dietary needs, and athletic gear. This sponsorship allows Atul to focus entirely on his development on the track without the pressure of financial constraints.

The Sanju Samson Foundation was established by Indian cricketer Sanju Samson to identify and nurture young sporting talent. Samson decided to sponsor Atul after watching him perform at the school athletics meet in Thiruvananthapuram last year. Since then, the foundation has provided various resources for his growth, including funding his flight to the World School Athletics Meet in Goa. Such initiatives highlight the impact that mentorship and targeted investment can have on the trajectories of young athletes.

Currently a student at DVHSS Charamangalam in Cherthala, Atul trains under the guidance of coach Sam Ji from the Kerala Sports Council. His dedication has led to a consistent string of broken records; last year, he set new benchmarks in both the 100m and 200m events in the junior category. His latest success has drawn further attention from the community, illustrating how local achievements can inspire other aspiring runners.

Outside of his formal competitions, Atul recently received a personal congratulatory call from Sanju Samson while the cricketer was in New Zealand for a T20 series. The gesture reflects the connection between established professionals and emerging talent in the sports world. Atul noted that receiving recognition from a World Cup winner has provided him with extra motivation as he pursues his goals in athletics.

The Sanju Samson Foundation is now planning a felicitation ceremony to honor Atul’s recent record-breaking performance. The event is intended to celebrate his hard work and encourage other young athletes to remain committed to their training. By providing these opportunities, the foundation aims to ensure that talented individuals have the support necessary to succeed at higher levels of competition.