Anand Mahindra is motivated by 20-year-old sprinter Shravani Sangle, who beat China in a 0.10-second thriller: 'Art of the possible'

Anand Mahindra has hailed 20-year-old Indian sprinter Shravani Sachin Sangle as his “Monday Motivation” after her stunning final-leg comeback against China at the Asian U23 Athletics Championships 2026.

Sharing a video of the thrilling mixed 4x400m relay on X, Mahindra said he was left “holding my breath” as Sangle chased China's anchor runner in the final metres.

The industrialist said the gap looked almost impossible to close, but Sangle refused to accept defeat.

Anand Mahindra praises Shravani Sangle's determination

“This clip is from the 2026 Asian U23 Athletics Championships, held at the Sport Development Center Stadium in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China, from 9–12 July 2026,” Mahindra wrote.

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He recalled how China was leading as Sangle took the baton for India's final leg.

“China led going into the closing metres, & Shravani came from behind to pass China’s anchor just 0.10 seconds ahead,” he wrote.

“I was holding my breath watching that final lap. It didn’t look even conceivable that she would be able to catch up.”

Mahindra then highlighted what impressed him most about the young athlete.

“But Shravani wasn’t willing to see finishing second to a powerhouse like China as inevitable & acceptable,” he wrote.

“She didn’t see the yawning gap as an impossibility.”

“She was practising the art of the possible…”

“Giving up wasn’t acceptable. Shravani is my Monday Motivation,” Mahindra added.

Shravani Sangle wins three medals in Ordos

According to Olympics.com, Sangle emerged as one of India's standout performers at the championships, returning with three medals.

She won gold medals in the mixed 4x400m relay and women's 4x400m relay, besides securing bronze in the 400m hurdles.

Shravani Sangle credits coach for her success

Sangle has previously spoken about the role of her coach and mentor, whom she calls Anand Sir.

After winning her medals, she shared a photograph with her coach and wrote, “Great coach doesn't just teach the game; they change the player's life.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shravani Sangle (@shravanisangle)

She also wrote, “Every Win is Our Win”, expressing her gratitude for the guidance and support she had received.

Sangle said her coach had continued to believe in her even when she failed and helped her return stronger.

“Sir has taught me courage, discipline, resilience, strength, and everything need,” she wrote.

“Anand Sir has made me stronger in every way,” she added.