Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann praised sprinter Gurindervir Singh for making history at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition 2026 in Ranchi. Gurindervir became the first Indian to break the 10.10-second barrier in the men’s 100m race, clocking an impressive 10.09 seconds in the final at Birsa Munda Stadium. This achievement followed a close battle with Animesh Kujur during the semifinals, where the national record changed hands.
Congratulating Gurindervir, Mann expressed immense pride for Punjab and Indian athletics. He hailed Gurindervir’s feat as a significant moment for Indian sprinting, emphasizing the athlete’s groundbreaking performance. The Chief Minister lauded Gurindervir’s dedication and success in setting a new national record and bringing honor to Punjab on the national and international stage.
The intense competition between Gurindervir and Animesh culminated in a thrilling final race, where Gurindervir’s exceptional speed secured him the gold medal. Surpassing Animesh and Pranav Gurav, Gurindervir’s time not only broke the national record but also exceeded the qualification standards for major events like the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. Despite this remarkable achievement, final selection for these competitions rests with the Athletics Federation of India.
Gurindervir’s journey to this historic moment has been marked by resilience and determination. Overcoming a severe illness that sidelined him for a year, he has made a remarkable comeback, improving from a national record of 10.20 seconds to setting a new benchmark in Indian sprinting. The rivalry between Gurindervir and Animesh signifies a new era in Indian athletics, pushing boundaries and setting new records.
