Gurindervir Singh Breaks 10.10-Second Barrier, CM Bhagwant Mann Hails Historic Sprint Feat

New Delhi, May 24: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has congratulated Indian sprinter Gurindervir Singh after he created history at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition 2026 in Ranchi by becoming the first Indian athlete to run the men’s 100 metres in under 10.10 seconds.

Competing at the Birsa Munda Stadium on Saturday evening, Gurindervir clocked a stunning 10.09 seconds in the final, setting a new national record and establishing himself as the fastest Indian sprinter ever over the distance. The performance came after an intense two-day rivalry with fellow sprinter Animesh Kujur, during which the national record changed hands multiple times.

Praising the achievement, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann described the victory as a proud moment for Punjab and the entire nation. In a message shared on social media platform X, Mann congratulated the 25-year-old athlete for winning the gold medal and scripting a historic achievement in Indian athletics.

The Chief Minister noted that Gurindervir’s 10.09-second run marked the first occasion an Indian sprinter had broken the 10.10-second barrier in the 100m event. He said the athlete had not only shattered records but had also brought immense pride to Punjab through his performance on the national stage.

The dramatic sprint showdown had begun during the semifinals on Friday when Gurindervir first broke the existing national mark of 10.18 seconds with a timing of 10.17 seconds. However, within hours, Animesh Kujur responded with an even faster 10.15-second run to reclaim the national record and set up a highly anticipated final.

In Saturday’s title race, Gurindervir delivered the best performance of his career. Exploding out of the starting blocks, he maintained exceptional pace throughout the race and crossed the finish line comfortably ahead of the field. Animesh secured second place with a timing of 10.20 seconds, while Pranav Gurav finished third in 10.29 seconds.

Gurindervir’s timing also comfortably surpassed the Athletics Federation of India’s qualification standard of 10.16 seconds for both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. However, final selection for international events will depend on confirmation from the federation.

The achievement marks a remarkable comeback for Gurindervir, who had battled a severe digestive illness three years ago that forced him away from competition for nearly a year. Since returning to the track, he has steadily rebuilt his career and progressed from a national record of 10.20 seconds to becoming the first Indian sprinter to enter the elite ‘10.0-second’ bracket.

The Ranchi competition has now emerged as a defining moment for Indian athletics, with Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur pushing the standards of Indian sprinting to unprecedented levels.

Team Maverick.