Gurindervir Singh has become India’s fastest man after clocking 10.09 seconds in the men’s 100m final at the National Senior Federation Competition in Ranchi, setting a new national record and becoming the first Indian sprinter to officially run under 10.10 seconds. The 25-year-old from Punjab won gold with the landmark sprint and also secured qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Gurindervir’s record-breaking run capped a dramatic two-day battle in Indian sprinting. On Friday, he ran 10.17 seconds in the first semifinal, breaking Animesh Kujur’s previous national mark of 10.18 seconds. Kujur answered in the second semifinal with a faster 10.15-second performance, briefly taking the record back and meeting the Commonwealth Games qualification standard.
Gurindervir returned in the final a day later and delivered the biggest run of his career. His 10.09-second finish reclaimed the national record, made him the fastest Indian in the men’s 100m, and placed him at the centre of a major moment for Indian athletics.
Gurindervir Singh’s Journey From Punjab to National Record
Gurindervir, who hails from Patiala, is the son of retired ASI Kamaljit Singh. He currently trains under coach James Hillier, while his early coach Sarabjit Singh has also played a key role in his development.
His rise has come after years of doubt from others. The sprinter said he was often advised to leave the 100m and shift to another event, including the 400m.
“Ever since I started running the 100m at the age of six or seven, people kept telling me there was no future in it and that I should switch to the 400m or some other event. They said Indians don’t have the genes for the 100m. I wanted to prove them wrong. I wanted to prove Indian genes tagde hain,” he told Sportstar.
‘Not Finished Yet’ Message Answers Critics
Before the final, Gurindervir wore a message on his shirt: “Task is 10.10, not finished yet. Wait I am still standing.”
After the race, he said the message was aimed at critics on social media. “People say a lot of things on social media. This message was to remind myself that I am here to perform and improve,” the sprinter said after the race.
Gurindervir later credited his family, coaches, trainers, dietitian and the Reliance Foundation for his success.
“There are many people I would like to thank. First of all, my family — my father, who inspires me, and my mother, who motivates me. Then my coaches, and every trainer I have worked with over the years. They believed in me and helped me improve. The Reliance Foundation also played a huge role by providing top-class facilities. My dietitian contributed immensely as well. I worked hard, believed in myself, and everyone around me supported me throughout the journey,” he said.
