From Sheffield to Stardom: Bangladesh’s Sprinting Star Imranur Rahman

In the electrifying world of sprinting—where a fraction of a second can separate legends from the rest—Imranur Rahman has burst onto the scene as Bangladesh’s ultimate sprinting sensation. Born and raised in Sheffield, UK, this unassuming accountant didn’t grow up on Olympic dreams or fancy training camps. Yet in just a few years, he has rewritten Bangladesh’s athletic history, breaking long-standing national records in both the 100m and 60m sprints. His crowning moment? A jaw-dropping gold at the 2023 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships—Bangladesh’s first ever in the competition. Imranur’s journey from local tracks in England to international podiums wearing the red and green flag is nothing short of extraordinary.

Early Life in Sheffield

Born on July 5, 1993, in Sheffield, United Kingdom, Imranur Rahman grew up in a Bangladeshi household, with his parents hailing from Sylhet’s Jalalpur area in Dakhin Surma. His childhood was marked by a passion for sports, particularly football. It wasn’t until the age of 19 that a friend’s suggestion led him to explore athletics, a decision that would redefine his life’s trajectory.

Transition to Athletics

While most professional sprinters begin formal training in their early teens, Imranur Rahman defied convention. At 19, when many athletes are already competing internationally, he was just lacing up for his first sprint session—spurred on by a friend’s casual suggestion. What began as curiosity quickly turned into commitment.

He joined a local athletics club in Sheffield, where seasoned coaches immediately recognized his raw potential. Despite his late start, Imranur threw himself into a rigorous training routine. He focused on building explosive strength, perfecting his start technique, and improving his stride efficiency. Sprinting wasn’t just about running fast—it was about discipline, structure, and learning to compete under pressure.

Within a few seasons, Imranur began making waves in the British university athletics scene. His dedication paid off in 2022 when he clinched gold in the 60-meter event at the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Championships. Clocking a blistering 6.68 seconds, he not only won the title but also placed himself among the UK’s fastest sprinters at the time.

That performance proved he could compete at a high level—and perhaps, one day, represent a nation on the world stage. But which flag would he carry?

Running for Bangladesh: Imranur’s Journey Home

Fresh off his success in the UK athletics scene, Imranur Rahman stood at a crossroads. Born and raised in Sheffield, he could have pursued a competitive future under the British flag. But for Imranur, sprinting was more than just medals—it was about identity and belonging.

Despite growing up thousands of miles away, his heart had always stayed tethered to Bangladesh, the homeland of his parents. Family visits to Sylhet, conversations in Sylheti at home, and stories of his ancestral village had cultivated a strong emotional bond over the years. And in 2021, he made a bold, life-defining decision: to represent Bangladesh on the international athletics stage.

It wasn’t just a strategic move—it was personal. “Representing Bangladesh is the best decision I’ve ever made,” Imranur  told TBS News, reflecting on the overwhelming support and pride he felt wearing the red and green. The decision also brought a renewed sense of purpose. He wasn’t just running for himself anymore—he was carrying the hopes of a nation starved of sprinting glory.

With this choice, Imranur became more than just an athlete; he became a symbol. A bridge between two identities. A reminder that you don’t have to be born in Bangladesh to represent its spirit with every stride.

Breaking National Records

Imranur’s impact on Bangladeshi athletics was immediate and profound.

In January 2022, just months after committing to the national cause, Imranur stunned the athletic community by breaking a 22-year-old national record in the 100m sprint. He completed the race in 10.50 seconds, shattering the long-standing record and putting Bangladesh on the international sprinting map for the first time in decades. This moment was more than a personal achievement; it was a national milestone, an indication that a new sprinting sensation had arrived.

Imranur’s hunger for excellence didn’t stop there. By September 2022, he improved his 100m time to 10.29 seconds, further cementing his status as one of Asia’s fastest sprinters. And the best was yet to come.

In 2023, Imranur showed just how relentless he was in pursuit of greatness. At the Asian Athletics Championships, he clocked a stunning 10.25 seconds, a performance that brought him even closer to the top-tier sprinters in the region. But it was in September 2023, at the Newham & Essex Beagles Outdoor Series in London, that he reached his personal best—10.11 seconds—setting a new benchmark for Bangladeshi sprinting and proving that he was a force to be reckoned with internationally.

Historic Gold at Asian Indoor Championships

In February 2023, Imranur Rahman achieved something truly groundbreaking for Bangladesh—he claimed the country’s first-ever gold medal at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships. Competing in the highly competitive 60m sprint event, Imranur didn’t just participate—he dominated.

With a personal best of 6.59 seconds, he outran the competition, marking a historic moment in Bangladeshi athletics. This victory was not just a personal triumph for Imranur, but also a moment of immense national pride. For a country that had never tasted gold in the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, Imranur’s performance was a shining symbol of hope for future generations of athletes.

This achievement also solidified his status as a rising sprinting star on the continental stage.

Balancing Dual Roles

Imranur Rahman’s life extends far beyond the track. As a full-time accountant, he expertly balances his professional career with his athletic aspirations. Despite the demanding nature of both roles, he remains deeply committed to his sprinting journey. Training and gym sessions are self-funded, demonstrating his dedication to pushing the limits of his athletic abilities while representing Bangladesh. This balance of work and sport highlights his remarkable discipline and determination.

Olympic Aspirations

Imranur’s achievements have set the stage for his participation in the 2024 Summer Olympics, where he represented Bangladesh in the men’s 100 metres . His goal is clear: to break the 10-second barrier, a feat that would place him among the elite sprinters globally. “Finishing inside 10 seconds would be a remarkable achievement and make a significant impact,” he stated, underscoring his dedication to continuous improvement.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Imranur’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in Bangladesh and beyond. His story underscores the importance of perseverance, passion, and national pride. By breaking records and setting new benchmarks, he has revitalized interest in athletics within the country, paving the way for future talents to emerge.

A Nation’s Pride

Imranur Rahman’s ascent in the world of sprinting is not just a personal triumph but a national milestone. From his late start in athletics to becoming a record-breaking sprinter representing Bangladesh on the global stage, his journey epitomizes dedication and resilience. As he continues to chase new horizons, Imranur remains a symbol of hope and excellence for Bangladesh, inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.

If Imranur’s rise has left you inspired, wait till you read about Tammat Bil Khoar—Bangladesh’s new hero on wheels. From personal setbacks to making headlines in para-cycling, his story is just as thrilling and courageous.
Read Tammat’s journey here