Gurindervir Singh Sets Sights on Asian and Commonwealth Games Medals
Indian sprinter Gurindervir Singh has outlined his long-term ambition to break the 10-second barrier in the 100m while also aiming for medals at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. The 24-year-old became the first Indian man to clock a sub-10.10 second time, winning the Federation Cup in Ranchi with a national record of 10.09 seconds in May 2026.
Speaking to ANI at the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards ceremony, Gurindervir said his focus remains on performance goals despite increased expectations following his record. "There's one mark that has been with me since childhood, which is to run under 10 seconds. And besides that, to win medals in the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games," he stated.
National Record Breakthrough
Gurindervir shaved 0.06 seconds off the previous national mark, which had been set just a day earlier in the semifinals by Animesh Kujur, according to ESPN. His time of 10.09 seconds marked a significant milestone for Indian sprinting.
The sprinter emphasized that his preparation approach remains unchanged, treating every competition with equal importance. "Preparation is the same. No competition is small or big. For me, even the Fed Cup was like the Commonwealth Games. So I gave my 100% there and will give 100% in the Commonwealth Games as well," he said.
Enjoying the Journey
Gurindervir noted that while the significance of major events like the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games is higher, he is now focused on enjoying the experience rather than feeling pressure over selection. "Earlier, there was a lot of pressure about selection. Now I will go and play in it. So I will enjoy every second of it," he explained.
Reiterating his competitive ambition, Gurindervir made it clear that podium finishes remain the ultimate objective. "Winning a medal is the goal, winning a medal in the Commonwealth and Asian Games. That's my goal," he added.
Indian Athletics Awards Highlights
At the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards ceremony held on Saturday evening, Neeraj Chopra and Parul Chaudhary were presented with the Best Athlete Awards in the male and female categories, respectively. Shahnavaz Khan and Pooja were named the Best Emerging Athletes.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya gave away the awards instituted by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). The event was attended by dignitaries including World Athletics Vice President Adille J Sumariwalla, Korottage Bimal Prasanna (President, Sri Lanka Athletics), and Mohamed Tholal (Sports Commissioner of Maldives), who celebrated excellence across the Indian athletics ecosystem, according to a release.
