Gurindervir Singh clocks 10.09s NR, first Indian under 10.10 in 100m
Synopsis
Gurindervir Singh did what no Indian sprinter ever had — broke the 10.10-second barrier in the 100m, clocking 10.09 seconds at Ranchi's Federation Cup. The feat came just 24 hours after a dramatic back-and-forth national record exchange with Animesh Kujur, and caps a three-year comeback from a career-threatening illness.
Key Takeaways
Gurindervir Singh clocked 10.09 seconds in the men's 100m final at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition 2026 in Ranchi on 24 May 2025 .
He is the first Indian athlete to breach the 10.10-second barrier in the 100m.
The run clears the AFI qualification standard of 10.16 seconds for both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games ; final selection depends on federation approval.
Within 48 hours , the national record changed hands twice between Gurindervir and Animesh Kujur before Gurindervir sealed it in the final.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann congratulated Gurindervir on X , calling it a moment of pride for the entire state.
Gurindervir's achievement caps a comeback from a severe digestive illness that kept him off the track for nearly a year three years ago.
Sprinter Gurindervir Singh made history at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition 2026 in Ranchi on 24 May 2025, becoming the first Indian athlete to clock under 10.10 seconds in the men's 100m. His sensational 10.09-second run in the final at Birsa Munda Stadium reclaimed the national record and cemented his status as the fastest Indian ever over the distance.
A Historic Final in Ranchi
Gurindervir burst out of the blocks and sustained his pace to the finish line, crossing well clear of rival Animesh Kujur, who finished second in 10.20 seconds. Pranav Gurav took third place in 10.29 seconds. The winning time not only set a new national record but also comfortably cleared the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) qualification standard of 10.16 seconds for both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, though final selection remains subject to federation approval.
A 48-Hour Record Exchange
Saturday's final was the climax of a gripping two-day duel between India's two fastest sprinters. On Friday, Gurindervir opened the rivalry by breaking Animesh's previous national record of 10.18 seconds with a 10.17-second run in the semifinals. Within hours, Animesh hit back with 10.15 seconds to reclaim the mark. The back-and-forth exchange set up one of the most anticipated sprint finals in recent Indian athletics history — and Gurindervir delivered emphatically.
Punjab CM Hails 'Son of Punjab'
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was among the first to congratulate the 25-year-old sprinter, posting his tribute on X (formerly Twitter). 'Heartiest congratulations to our promising athlete Gurindervir Singh for winning the gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle race at the Federation Cup in Ranchi. Our brave young son has set a new national record by clocking just 10.09 seconds,' Mann wrote. He added: 'Gurindervir has become the first Indian athlete to clock less than 10.10 seconds in the 100-meter race. By breaking a second national record in two days, the son of Punjab has brought glory to the state on the national and international stage. The entire Punjab takes pride in Gurindervir's historic achievement.'
A Comeback Three Years in the Making
The achievement carries added weight given Gurindervir's personal journey. Three years ago, the sprinter was sidelined for nearly a year by a severe digestive illness that tested both his physical and mental resilience. Since returning to competition, he has steadily rebuilt — progressing from a national record of 10.20 seconds to now being the first Indian to enter the rare sub-10.10 bracket. Notably, the rivalry between Gurindervir and Animesh is widely seen as the engine driving Indian sprinting into territory it has never previously explored.
What Comes Next
Final selection for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games rests with the AFI. With Gurindervir now comfortably inside the qualification standard, his case is compelling — but the federation's selection process will have the final word. Indian athletics will be watching closely.
Point of View
If mishandled, could blunt exactly the kind of rivalry that produces breakthrough performances.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What national record did Gurindervir Singh set at the Federation Cup 2026?
Gurindervir Singh clocked 10.09 seconds in the men's 100m final at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition 2026 in Ranchi, setting a new national record and becoming the first Indian to run under 10.10 seconds in the event.
Who finished second and third in the 100m final in Ranchi?
Animesh Kujur finished second in 10.20 seconds and Pranav Gurav finished third in 10.29 seconds in the 100m final at Birsa Munda Stadium, Ranchi.
Does Gurindervir's time qualify him for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games?
Yes, his 10.09-second run comfortably surpasses the AFI's qualification standard of 10.16 seconds for both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. However, final selection is subject to AFI approval and is not automatic.
How did the national record change hands before the final?
On Friday, Gurindervir broke Animesh Kujur's previous national record of 10.18 seconds with a 10.17-second semifinal run. Animesh responded within hours with 10.15 seconds to reclaim it, before Gurindervir settled the matter with 10.09 seconds in Saturday's final.
What is the significance of Gurindervir Singh's comeback story?
Three years before his record run, Gurindervir was sidelined for nearly a year due to a severe digestive illness. He has since rebuilt his career progressively, improving from a national record of 10.20 seconds to becoming the first Indian in the sub-10.10 bracket.
