Imranur Rahman: Racing for Glory, Embracing Roots

The first time I stumbled upon Imranur Rahman’s photo was during a casual Facebook scroll, maybe a couple of months back. The sight of an athlete proudly draped in the national flag of Bangladesh grabbed my attention, halting my scroll. Instantly, a surge of pride filled my heart. Curiosity sparked, and I delved into a Google search to learn more. Since then, I’ve been an ardent fan. Born British but with a Bangladeshi heart, thanks to his parents’ roots from Sylhet to Sheffield years ago, his choice to represent Bangladesh over the United Kingdom was when I realized his true patriotism. Despite spending most of his life outside Bangladesh, I felt he must have carried a deep connection within.

During his visit to Bangladesh recently, I seized the chance to meet him. Almost serendipitously, a friend’s Instagram reel featuring Imranur prompted me to reach out to him and his manager for an interview and photoshoot, my excitement escalating.

The following evening, as I met the fastest man in the South Asia Games 100-meter sprint in 2023 half-expected someone taller. Imranur matched my height but exuded a fitness level tenfold and a remarkable sharpness that made him stand out. Armed with a Bachelor’s in Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Birmingham and later a Master’s in Finance and Accountancy, Imranur currently navigates a balancing act between jobs. Initially a full-time accountant, he shifted focus to athletics, creating a more flexible accountant’s schedule.

A devout Manchester United fan, Imranur’s transition from playing football to pursuing running stemmed from his natural speed. His journey into the world of athletics began from there. When quizzed about his training regimen, he described it as rigorous. He informs, “My training regimen is incredibly intense—I hit the track and gym twice daily, six days a week. It’s a relentless routine, often back-to-back sessions or split between morning and evening workouts.”

Preparation for competitions like the Olympic Games, World, Asian, and South Asia Games demands unwavering dedication. I asked how he stays motivated during physical or mental lows. Imranur emphasized understanding his holistic physical condition and avoiding overexertion, developed through consistent training. According to him, “Preparing for competitions like these demands relentless commitment. When facing physical or mental lows, I prioritize understanding my body as a whole. Fatigue signals a need to dial back, honed over years of consistent training—an innate sense of when to pause.”

Diet holds significance for an athlete. When asked what usually Imranur eats, with a chuckle, he shares his two cents: “Let me start by sharing what I steer clear of. Honestly, I dodge anything that’s deliciously high in carbs and fast foods. I make a conscious effort to fuel up with relatively healthier options.” To ensure a fit body, his dietary approach, focuses on avoiding high-carb, fatty, or fast foods and opting for relatively healthier options such as good fats like avocados, cashews, egg yolks, and moderate protein intake.

When discussing hurdles, Imranur candidly highlighted the financial challenges athletes often face, expressing gratitude for the slight improvement after his Asian Indoor Championships victory. He says, “Being an athlete isn’t a walk in the park, especially when it comes to funding. Since the start of my career, I’ve juggled multiple jobs just to make ends meet.”

Despite this, he continues working as an accountant while training, acknowledging his wife’s support and his parents’ encouragement toward his athletic pursuits. He sounds grateful as he says, “They’ve consistently encouraged me to follow my passions and find happiness in my pursuits. Their support and prayers have been instrumental in bringing me to this stage.”

Currently eyeing upcoming competitions, Imranur aims to represent Bangladesh in the Asian Indoor Championship, World Indoor Championship, and ultimately the Olympics, aspiring to hoist the red and green flag with pride. “Despite growing up in the UK, Bangladesh holds a special place in my heart. My goal is to elevate the red and green flag of this country that my parents call home,” Imranur tells me as our parting note. His determination leaves no doubt that he will achieve this goal.

Photographs by Eivan Sardar.