Sanju Samson funds Kerala sprinter TM Atul after record-breaking gold

Dubai - Indian cricketer Sanju Samson is supporting the promising sprinter TM Atul from Kerala, covering all his sporting expenses after the teenager won a gold medal at the state school athletics meet with a record-breaking performance. Atul set a new record of 10.63 seconds in the senior boys' 100-meter sprint, breaking a 15-year-old standard set in 2011. The achievement made Atul the fastest school sprinter in Kerala, and Samson's sponsorship helps him pursue athletics without financial difficulties.

Sanju Samson personally congratulated Atul on winning the gold medal while he was in New Zealand. The cricketer's foundation sponsors Atul's expenses, including professional training, travel, dietary requirements, and equipment like running spikes and jerseys. Atul, a student from Government DVHSS Charamangalam in Cherthala, Alappuzha district, hails from Mararikulam, where his father works as a fisherman.

He trains under the supervision of coach Sam Ji and has already made a name for himself, setting records in the junior boys' 100m and 200m events at the 2025 Kerala State School Sports Meet.

Sanju Samson's foundation has extended its support to Atul by funding his air tickets for competing in the World School Athletics Meet in Goa. This opportunity allows the young sprinter to gain experience beyond state-level competitions. The Sanju Samson Foundation aims to help young athletes from difficult backgrounds access professional coaching, travel, and other resources necessary to nurture their potential.

Atul's latest gold medal and record-breaking run mark another significant milestone in his athletics journey, backed by a cricketer who has invested in emerging sporting talent from his home state. Sanju Samson has expressed his stance on social media criticism following New Zealand's success.