Atul Anand
In Indian athletics, where stories of sacrifice often outweigh celebration, Atul Anand journey stands as a testament to grit, balance, and quiet rebellion. A national-level sprinter hailing from Bihar, Atul has done what many young athletes are forced to abandon—he chased his dream without ever hitting pause on life’s other demands.
With six national qualifications under his belt and the title of the fastest male athlete in his state, Atul has been a consistent name on the podium at State Championships since 2021. In a sport where milliseconds make legends, Atul’s breakthrough came in 2023 when he broke the sub-11-second barrier in the 100m sprint
In just 10 months at WWT, Atul has already been recognised with two prestigious awards: the Top Producer Award and the Passion and Ethics Award—a rare feat that reflects his dedication and work ethic beyond the track.
But for Atul, it’s never been about records or rivals.
“I run not to compete with others, but for myself—for the younger me who never thought he would reach here,” he shares. “Unlike championships, in real life the starting point is different for everyone. That’s why I don’t obsess over breaking someone else’s record. I measure my progress by how far I’ve come. My story is different—and so is my race.”
That mindset has set him apart in more ways than one. Atul Anand is currently the only athlete in India who has qualified for Nationals while working a full-time corporate job. By day, he’s a System Solutions Architect at World Wide Technology, a global IT leader where he holds a high-impact role. His career, built over five years at Larsen & Toubro and now one year into his journey at WWT, reflects a remarkable balance of intellect and discipline. The role comes with substantial responsibilities—and the kind of compensation that reflects both his capabilities and choices.
“It’s tough to explain how difficult it is to qualify for Nationals,” he adds. “It’s not just physical. There’s mental pressure, limited infrastructure, injuries, self-doubt, and often, no coach to hold your hand. Every time I get there, it’s a win over something much bigger than just competition.”
And he doesn’t just run. He leads.
Atul has made it a point to mentor young sprinters, especially those unsure how to balance sport with studies or work. “I guide juniors not just on workouts or race strategy, but how to structure life. How to take breaks, how to come back stronger. I’ve lived that.”
Even his presence in fitness spaces—gyms, tracks, training camps—is magnetic. Known for keeping the environment positive, Atul brings lightness to the grind. “I believe if you’re chasing something hard, the vibe around you matters. I try to bring energy and build bonds that make us all better.”
That spirit spills into his off-track ventures too. With two stealth-mode startups in the works, Atul is building solutions rooted in his own lived experiences as an athlete and professional. “When the time is right, I’ll share more. For now, it’s just exciting to be creating something that could help others like me.”
His message to young athletes who feel like they’re at a crossroads?
“If you have to pause, pause. But don’t stop. Dreams don’t have to die just because life grows bigger. You can evolve with them.”
As he preps for the upcoming season, Atul Anand isn’t just chasing podiums—he’s setting a pace for how ambition, when powered by balance, can sprint far beyond the track.
Follow his journey on insta @justanotherwizard_
