India’s sprinting scene may be evolving as Punjab’s Gurindervir Singh set a new national 100m record of 10.09 seconds at the Federation Cup in Ranchi, breaking Animesh Kujur’s previous mark of 10.15 seconds. His timing also went under the AFI qualifying standard, securing spots for the 2026 Commonwealth and Asian Games.
Inspired by his father and long seen as a challenger to stereotypes about Indian sprinters, Gurindervir said his performance was a response to doubts about India’s ability in short-distance sprinting.
Training under coach James Hillier at Reliance Foundation, he also holds national records in the 60m and was part of the 4x100m relay record team in 2025, building on his earlier 10.20-second run in 2024.
His father, Kamaljeet Singh, a former national-level volleyball player with Punjab Police, was his biggest influence, with Gurindervir first getting inspired by his father’s trophies and sporting photos.
He trained in difficult conditions, travelling long distances and practising on basic village grounds before moving to Jalandhar, where coach Sarabjit Singh Happy supported him with training and accommodation.
After stepping into the senior circuit with a 10.20-second run at the 2024 Indian Grand Prix, he later struggled with pressure and form, which affected his confidence, according to Reliance Foundation’s James Hillier.
