Gurindervir Singh: The Journey of India's Fastest Man and His Father's Sacrifices
A New Era in Indian Athletics
Gurindervir Singh's remarkable sprint of 10.09 seconds not only established a new national record in the men's 100m but also marked the emergence of India's fastest athlete. However, this achievement is rooted in a tale of dedication, hardship, and a father's unwavering faith.
For Kamaljit Singh, a retired Assistant Sub-Inspector and former volleyball player, this milestone transcends mere statistics; it symbolizes years of unspoken sacrifices.
Kamaljit fondly reminisced about the first time he took young Gurindervir to the track, recalling, “He quickly matched my speed. He was incredibly agile.”
Today, his phone is inundated with calls from friends and family eager to congratulate the father of a son who has etched his name in Indian athletics. Yet, the path to this moment was fraught with challenges.
When Gurindervir was in Class 6, his initial coach, Sarwan Singh, confidently told Kamaljit, “This boy will become one of India’s top athletes.” Those prophetic words have lingered in his mind.
Kamaljit was determined to invest in his son's future, stating, “Coaches advised me to spend money if I wanted him to succeed. I was willing to do whatever it took, even if it stretched my finances.”
Every day, Gurindervir endured long bus rides for training, returning home exhausted. To alleviate his son's fatigue, Kamaljit bought him a second-hand scooter for Rs 5,000, allowing him to save time and rest.
When the old scooter began to malfunction, Kamaljit opted for a new one on installments, prioritizing his son's training over financial strain.
The family's sacrifices extended beyond transportation. They relocated from their village near Bhogpur to Jalandhar to provide Gurindervir with superior coaching and training facilities. Kamaljit ensured his son had a comfortable living space.
“All those sacrifices were for my son,” he expressed with emotion. “Today, he has made me proud. What more could I wish for?”
Kamaljit also acknowledges the coaches who supported Gurindervir during challenging times, particularly Sarabjeet Singh Happy at Jalandhar Arts and Sports College, who played a pivotal role in his development as a sprinter.
With the national record now achieved, Kamaljit harbors one remaining dream: “I just want to see him win an Olympic medal for India.”
He also pointed out that despite his son's accomplishments, the Punjab government has yet to offer him a job. “The Punjab government must provide him with employment,” he insisted.