Gurindervir Singh Shatters Men's 100m National Record at Federation Cup
Parents Celebrate Son's Historic Achievement
The parents of Gurindervir Singh, who recently set a new national record in the men's 100 meters, expressed their joy over his remarkable performance at the Federation Cup. They reflected on the dedication that has led him to excel in such a challenging race category.
Gurindervir made history by becoming the first Indian man to complete the 100m in under 10.10 seconds, achieving a stunning time of 10.09 seconds in Ranchi. The 24-year-old surpassed the previous national record by 0.06 seconds, which had been established just a day earlier by Animesh Kujur during the semifinals. Interestingly, Gurindervir had briefly held the record himself after clocking 10.17 seconds in the semifinals, only to see Animesh reclaim it with a time of 10.15 seconds shortly after. However, Gurindervir's final performance secured him the record and a spot in the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where both he and Animesh will represent India in the men's 100m.
Joyful Reflections from Gurindervir's Father
In an interview, Kamaljeet, Gurindervir's father, shared that his son has been dedicated to athletics since he was 12 years old. As a former volleyball player, he had always dreamed of seeing Gurindervir succeed in sports. "We are overjoyed. He has been working hard since he was a child. I wanted him to be an athlete, and despite the ups and downs, he has fulfilled my dream. After his victory, I spoke with him," Kamaljeet remarked.
He emphasized the importance of sports for health and youth, stating, "Sports are crucial for Punjab and India. It is through sports that one can truly excel and make their family proud." Kamaljeet also reminisced about Gurindervir's early training, highlighting the significant role of his first coach, who pushed him until the 10th grade, and his second coach, Happy, who treated him like family.
Coach Commends Gurindervir's Record-Breaking Performance
Sarabjeet Singh Happy, who has coached Gurindervir for a decade, praised his achievement, stating that he has brought pride to Punjab on an international level. "He trained with me for ten years and joined the national camp a year ago. His training indicated that he was on the verge of breaking records. During the semifinals, he surpassed Animesh's record before it was reclaimed, but in the finals, he made history and is now ranked second in Asia," Happy noted.
Happy recalled Gurindervir's ambition to set higher goals, saying, "He expressed his desire to aim for tougher targets and prepare for medal-winning races. He has the confidence needed to succeed in such a competitive event. The 100m is a challenging race, and I hope his speed inspires future generations."
A Mother's Pride and Aspirations
Rupinder, Gurindervir's mother, expressed immense pride in her son's historic accomplishment, recalling his consistent performance in sports since childhood. "It fills us with pride that he has made history. We have received numerous calls congratulating us on his achievement. He was always cheerful and excelled in sports, winning medals from a young age. It was his father's dream to see him as an athlete," she shared.
She encouraged children to avoid drugs and focus on education and sports, stating, "Gurindervir worked tirelessly, often missing family events. His dedication has brought him this far. We hope he gets the chance to compete in the Olympics."