India has a new name lighting up the track. Gurindervir Singh has entered record books after clocking a stunning 10.09 seconds in the men’s 100m, the fastest time ever recorded by an Indian.
A historic breakthrough in Indian sprinting
At the National Senior Federation Competition held at Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium, Gurindervir delivered a performance that had long seemed just out of reach for Indian athletics. His 10.09-second sprint marks the first time an Indian has dipped below the 10.1-second barrier in the 100m.
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What made the moment even more gripping was the intense back-and-forth battle with Animesh Kujur. Within a single day, the national record changed hands multiple times. Gurindervir first set the tone with 10.17 seconds in the semifinal, only to see Animesh respond minutes later with 10.15 seconds. The final, however, belonged entirely to the Punjab sprinter.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐒
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) May 24, 2026
Gurindervir Singh, Petty Officer of the #IndianNavy scripts history by setting a NEW NATIONAL RECORD in the 100m sprint with a sensational timing of 10.09 seconds at the ongoing 29th National Federation Cup… pic.twitter.com/5RkIHCUx61
Who is Gurindervir Singh?
Representing Reliance Foundation, Gurindervir saved his best for last. His 10.09-second finish not only secured gold but placed him among the fastest runners in Asia this season. He also comfortably went past the 2026 Commonwealth Games qualifying mark of 10.16 seconds set by the Athletics Federation of India.
#WATCH | Ranchi, Jharkhand: Athlete Gurindervir Singh clinched a gold medal in the men’s 100m event at the 2026 Athletics Federation Cup, with a new national record timing of 10.09 seconds, yesterday.
— ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2026
(Source: Reliance Foundation Sports) pic.twitter.com/zFg29FooAi
Animesh finished second in the final, trailing by 0.11 seconds, while Pranav Gurav took third place with a timing of 10.29 seconds.
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A larger moment for Indian athletics
The competition turned into a landmark event beyond just the 100m. In another standout performance, Vishal TK became the first Indian to run the 400m in under 45 seconds, clocking 44.98 seconds.
Gurindervir’s achievement, however, stands out for pushing Indian sprinting into a new era. Breaking the 10.1-second mark is more than just a number. It signals a shift in what Indian athletes are capable of on the global stage, with Gurindervir now firmly at the center of that conversation.
