Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the recent achievements of Indian athletes during his Mann Ki Baat radio programme, highlighting the dramatic reshaping of the men's 100m national record at the 29th National Senior Athletics Federation Competition in Ranchi.
Modi noted that the national record in the blue-riband event was broken three times within two days, showcasing the growing standards of Indian athletics. During the programme, he interacted with sprinters Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur, who spoke about their friendship, training routines and healthy rivalry on the track.
"We are friends and help each other during practice, but when the race begins, we become competitors," Gurindervir told the Prime Minister.
The 25-year-old, who serves in the Indian Navy, recently became the fastest Indian sprinter after clocking 10.09 seconds in the men's 100m final in Ranchi. His effort made him the first Indian to breach the 10.10-second barrier and secured qualification for both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Recalling his childhood, Gurindervir said his mother often discouraged him from watching television and urged him to focus on studies. "I told her one day she would watch me on television. Today I feel very happy when my parents see me on TV," he said.
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The record-breaking feat capped a remarkable day in Ranchi. Gurindervir first set a national record of 10.17 seconds in the semifinals, only for Animesh to better it with a 10.15-second run shortly afterwards. Gurindervir then reclaimed the record in the final with his historic 10.09-second sprint.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated the athlete, saying, "10.09 seconds! Gurindervir Singh, you have rewritten history. The entire nation is incredibly proud of you!"
(With inputs from agencies)
