Gurindervir Singh: A Sprint to Glory
In May 2026, Gurindervir Singh captured the nation’s attention after running the fastest 100 meters by an Indian man, clocking an impressive 10.09 seconds. This remarkable achievement came as he raced against Animesh Kujur, who previously held the national record.
Over a whirlwind 24 hours, the national record changed hands three times. Gurindervir first broke Animesh’s record of 10.18 seconds during the heats by just 0.01 seconds. Animesh quickly responded with a time of 10.15 seconds before Gurindervir clinched victory with his stunning run in the final.
But today’s story isn’t just about his sprinting success; it’s about Gurindervir’s incredible comeback after facing serious health challenges.
FROM ILLNESS TO RECOVERY
Following his triumph at the 2026 Fed Cup, Gurindervir expressed a powerful mix of emotion as he tossed his spikes in joy, reflecting on the hard battles he had fought since 2022 when an illness threatened his athletic career.
While training at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala, Gurindervir faced a health scare that left him unable to absorb nutrients. This set back resulted in a long recovery throughout 2023, causing him to drift from his previous best time of 10.27 seconds established in 2021.
Though he made a commendable return in 2024, winning two significant competitions, Gurindervir continued to feel the effects of his earlier struggles. The combination of physical and mental challenges weighed heavily on him.
Gurindervir joined the Reliance Foundation after winning the Fed Cup in 2024, but the intense training regimen initially overwhelmed him. He shared his concerns about fitting in with such high-level training.
“Leading into the National Games last year, I had a lot of negative thoughts and was unsure if I could keep up,” he recalled.
Despite these difficulties, Gurindervir remained determined to regain his place as a top athlete. In March 2025, he finally made a strong comeback, posting a time of 10.20 seconds to earn the title of India’s fastest man. However, he struggled to manage the pressures that followed.
His coach, James Hillier, observed, “Gurindervir’s mind wasn’t conditioned for the sudden surge in attention after breaking the record, but he has learned valuable lessons from it.”
THE RIVALRY WITH ANIMESH KUJUR
Just months later, Gurindervir found himself overshadowed by rising star Animesh Kujur, who made waves in Indian sprinting. Despite their friendship, competition between the two intensified, especially as Animesh achieved remarkable feats in major tournaments.
While Animesh was gaining recognition, Gurindervir focused on refining his training. His dedication led to significant body transformation, dropping from 14% to 7% body fat, which enhanced his overall performance.
“Gurindervir has worked harder and smarter,” said Hillier, highlighting the improvements in his physique and strength training.
Gurindervir’s explosive speed was on full display during a recent race in Ranchi, where he maintained focus and endurance, leaving all doubts behind.
TRAINING AND TRANSFORMATION
In the past year, Gurindervir established a disciplined approach to training, focusing on his goals. Hillier noted that a key turning point came when Gurindervir triumphed in the 60-meter sprint at the National Indoor Championships earlier this year, achieving a remarkable 6.60 seconds.
This victory not only boosted Gurindervir’s confidence but also taught him how to manage success without becoming complacent.
As the Commonwealth Games approach, the stakes are high. Both Gurindervir and Animesh are driven by the need to outperform each other, ultimately pushing Indian sprinting forward.
With both runners continually raising the bar, the future looks bright for Indian athletics. It’s not just Gurindervir competing against Animesh; they are working together to reach new heights in sprinting.
The rivalry promises to bring out the best in both athletes, setting the tone for exciting competitions ahead.
