Gurindervir Singh Sets New 100m Record – 10.09 Seconds

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In a thunder‑clap moment at the National Senior Federation Competition in Ranchi on 24 May 2026, Gurindervir Singh, a 25‑year‑old Reliance Foundation sprinter from Punjab, shattered the Indian men’s 100‑metre record, clocking 10.09 seconds. The run made him the first Indian athlete to run the distance in under 10.10 seconds, a milestone that reverberated across the country’s athletics community.

The competition was a hotbed of historic performances. While Gurindervir stole the spotlight, Vishal T.K. also made history by becoming the first Indian to break the 45‑second barrier in the 400 m, and decathlete Tejaswin Shankar crossed the 8,000‑point threshold for the first time by an Indian. All three feats were unveiled in the same meet, turning Ranchi into a brief epicenter of Indian track and field greatness.

Gurindervir’s journey to the record was not a straight line. Earlier in the heats, the former record‑holder Animesh Kujur of Odisha, who had held the national mark at 10.18 seconds, was a formidable opponent. In the semifinals, Gurindervir first posted 10.17 seconds, a solid showing that kept him in contention. However, in a later heat of the same round, Kujur reclaimed the record with a 10.15‑second run, tightening the race for the final.

When the final commenced, the tension was palpable. Gurindervir managed to outpace Kujur by 0.11 seconds, finishing roughly two feet ahead. The final time of 10.09 seconds not only eclipsed the previous record but also sent a clear message that the Indian sprinting scene was evolving rapidly.

After crossing the finish line, Gurindervir displayed a sheet of paper with the words “Task is not finished yet. Wait, I am still standing,” and the digits 10.10. The message, along with his remarks that the record proved he was not finished and still had power in his legs, suggested that he sees this as a stepping stone rather than the end of his sprinting journey.

Photo by Fitsum Admasu on Unsplash

The event highlighted the rising standards within India’s athletics program, particularly the emphasis on talent development by corporate sponsors like the Reliance Foundation. Gurindervir’s record is a testament to the synergy between institutional support and athlete dedication, showing that with the right backing, Indian sprinters can compete on the world stage.

Meanwhile, Vishal T.K.’s 45‑second breakthrough in the 400 m and Tejaswin Shankar’s 8,000‑point decathlon achievement underscore a broader trend of Indian athletes pushing boundaries across multiple disciplines. These concurrent milestones suggest a significant boost in the overall competitive spirit and training methodologies within the country’s track and field fraternity.

Sources say that the National Senior Federation Competition has long been a platform for upcoming talent to showcase their abilities. The 2026 edition, however, will be remembered for the sheer number of record‑breaking performances that took place on a single day, a rare convergence in the history of Indian athletics.

As the dust settles over Ranchi, the record books will now feature Gurindervir Singh’s 10.09‑second sprint as a new benchmark. Athletes across the nation will likely view this as a challenge to break, inspiring a new generation to aim for even faster times.

Looking ahead, Gurindervir’s confidence and enthusiasm hint at a promising future. Whether he will pursue further international competitions or aim for Olympic qualification remains to be seen, but the 10.09‑second record is a solid foundation for any future ambitions.

Gurindervir Singh’s 10.09‑second run marks a historic moment for Indian sprinting, breaking the 10.10‑second barrier and inspiring athletes nationwide. The Ranchi meet showcased a surge of record‑breaking performances that highlight the growing strength of India’s track and field program.

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