Modi praises Gurindervir, Animesh for 3 national records in 2 days
Synopsis
India's men's 100m national record fell three times in just two days — and the two athletes trading blows are barely household names yet. PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat shoutout to Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur could change that fast, shining a rare prime-time light on Indian sprinting at a pivotal moment.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi highlighted sprinters Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur on Mann Ki Baat on 31 May .
India's men's 100-metre national record was broken three times in two days by the two athletes.
Modi compared their rivalry to a Jugalbandi — the classical music tradition of two performers trading improvisations.
The Prime Minister addressed the athletes directly, urging 'Mann Ki Baat' listeners to learn about their journey.
Sports observers say the intense domestic rivalry could accelerate India's development of world-class sprinting talent.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 31 May used his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' to celebrate a rare chapter in Indian sprinting: the men's 100-metre national record was shattered three times in just two days by two young athletes, Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur. The Prime Minister's public recognition is being widely seen as a significant morale boost for India's athletics community.
What Modi Said
Modi quoted the record-breaking sequence directly, telling listeners: 'Within a span of just two days, the national record in the men's 100-m race was broken three times. The two athletes who achieved this remarkable feat are Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur.'
He drew a vivid parallel with Indian classical music to describe their back-and-forth rivalry. 'We have witnessed Jugalbandi in the realm of music, but this particular Jugalbandi is unique: one athlete issues a challenge, the other takes it up, and then the first one raises the bar yet again. It has truly been a fascinating saga,' Modi remarked.
He also addressed the athletes directly through the broadcast: 'I want the listeners of 'Mann Ki Baat' to learn about you — to gain insight into your journey and to become aware of the extraordinary prowess you have demonstrated.'
The Sprint Rivalry That Captivated India
The back-and-forth between Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur has generated extraordinary buzz in Indian athletics circles. Three national records in 48 hours is an almost unheard-of sequence in any sprinting programme, and the fact that it involved two domestic rivals trading the mark has amplified the narrative considerably.
Sports enthusiasts and coaches argue that this kind of intense domestic competition is precisely the catalyst India's sprinting ecosystem has lacked — a credible peer rivalry that forces both athletes to transcend previous ceilings.
Why the 'Mann Ki Baat' Spotlight Matters
'Mann Ki Baat' commands one of the largest radio audiences in India, with the Prime Minister using the platform consistently to spotlight grassroots achievers alongside national policy themes. A mention in the programme has historically translated into broader institutional attention, sponsorship interest, and public recognition for athletes who operate outside the high-visibility cricket economy.
Notably, this is not the first time Modi has used the broadcast to champion track-and-field talent — a deliberate effort, observers note, to diversify India's sporting identity ahead of future global competitions.
What Comes Next
With both Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur now operating at national-record pace, attention will turn to whether they can carry that form into upcoming international meets. The Athletics Federation of India is expected to factor their recent performances into selection decisions for forthcoming continental and global championships. The nation, as Modi put it, will be watching with great anticipation.
Point of View
But the more consequential question is whether institutional support follows the spotlight. India has a history of celebrating athletic breakthroughs in the media cycle and then losing athletes to underfunding, poor infrastructure, or selection politics. Gurindervir and Animesh have done the hard part — breaking the national record three times in 48 hours is a genuine athletic event. What happens next, in terms of coaching, competition exposure, and federation backing, will determine whether this Jugalbandi produces Olympic-level sprinters or becomes a footnote. The Prime Minister's platform is powerful; the test is whether it triggers a system response, not just a social media moment.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur?
Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur are young Indian sprinters who recently broke the national record in the men's 100-metre race three times within two days. Their back-and-forth rivalry has drawn widespread attention in Indian athletics.
How many times was India's 100m national record broken?
India's men's 100-metre national record was broken three times in just two days, with Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur alternately setting new marks. PM Modi cited this sequence during his Mann Ki Baat address on 31 May.
What did PM Modi say about the two sprinters on Mann Ki Baat?
Modi praised their rivalry as a sporting 'Jugalbandi', comparing it to the classical music tradition of two performers trading improvisations. He said he wanted 'Mann Ki Baat' listeners to learn about their journey and the extraordinary prowess they have demonstrated.
Why is the Mann Ki Baat mention significant for Indian athletics?
Mann Ki Baat has one of the largest radio audiences in India, and a Prime Ministerial mention has historically translated into greater institutional attention, sponsorship interest, and public recognition — particularly for athletes outside the cricket mainstream.
What comes next for Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur?
Both athletes are expected to be considered for upcoming international meets, with the Athletics Federation of India likely to factor their record-breaking performances into selection decisions for continental and global championships.
