Source :
Bihar Athletics, Athletics Federation Of India, LinkedIn
In India, where young talent is often asked to choose between books and dreams, Atul Anand is quietly redefining what it means to chase both—and win.
A national-level sprinter and a System Solutions Architect at World Wide Technology, Atul has built a rare life of dual excellence. His is not the story of overnight success or privilege. It’s one of relentless balance—between ambition and responsibility, dreams and duty.
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.
Hailing from Patna, Bihar, Atul’s first exposure to sport was on dusty school grounds, not synthetic tracks. “Back in 10th grade, there wasn’t a single synthetic track in Patna or a professional coach,” he recalls. “Sports didn’t have much infrastructure like in the more developed states. So I thought maybe the best way to support my athletic dream someday was to stand on my own feet first—earn, move out, and then pursue the sport I love.”
And that’s exactly what he did.
Atul graduated in engineering with distinction and began his corporate career with Larsen & Toubro, where he spent five years developing deep technical expertise. Today, he works at World Wide Technology in a high-impact global tech role. It’s a demanding position—mentally and professionally—and one that rewards his performance with the kind of compensation that allows him to self-fund his training, recovery, travel, and race preparations.
“I don’t run to compete with others,” Atul says. “I run for the younger me—the boy who never imagined he could come this far. In a real race, everyone starts from the same line, but in life, our starting points are wildly different. That’s why I don’t obsess over records. I focus on how far I’ve come. My story is different—and I honour that.”
Atul has qualified for and competed in six national championships and holds the title of the fastest male athlete in his state. Since 2021, he has consistently earned medals at the State Championships. His 2023 season was a turning point: he broke the sub-11-second barrier in the 100m, clinched gold and silver across sprint events, and was crowned Overall Champion and Best Athlete of the season.
What makes this even more remarkable? Atul is the only athlete in India who has qualified for Nationals while working full-time in a demanding IT corporate job.
Yet he’s not stopping there. Atul mentors young athletes in his circle, guiding them on how to manage training, recovery, mindset, and even life choices. “I believe in creating a positive environment wherever I go—whether it’s on the track or at work. Energy is contagious,” he says.
He also has two start-up ventures in the works, which he’s keeping under wraps for now. “There’s a right time to reveal those,” he smiles. “Right now, the focus is the grind.”
Atul’s vision isn’t rooted in vanity or viral fame. It’s about becoming proof—living, breathing evidence—that dreams can be sustained without sacrificing stability. “When a kid feels torn between studies and sport, I want them—and their parents—to say, ‘If Atul could do both, maybe I can too.’ That’s why I want to win. Not just medals. But mindsets.”
We wish Atul Anand continued success for the season ahead—and hope his journey inspires many more to believe that even in a world of compromises, it’s possible to choose both.Follow his journey on insta @justanotherwizard_