Gurindervir Singh of Reliance flashing a sheet of paper with ‘Time is 10.10. Not finished yet’ written on it after winning the men’s 100m run at the 29th National Senior Athletics Federation Competition 2026 at Birsa Munda stadium (Morabadi) in Ranchi on Satuday, May 23, 2026.
| Photo Credit: RITU RAJ KONWAR
By the time the men’s 100m final began at the Federation Cup in Ranchi on May 23, 2026, India’s national record had already changed hands twice within that tournament — a first in Indian sprinting. A day earlier, Gurindervir Singh had lowered the national record to 10.17 seconds in the first semifinals. Minutes later, Animesh Kujur reclaimed it with 10.15 seconds in the second semi-final. Gurindervir seized the opportunity the final offered. His time of 10.09 seconds not only restored the record to his name but also made him the first Indian to break the 10.1-second barrier.
The achievement marked the latest chapter in a rivalry that is transforming Indian sprinting. Anil Kumar’s national record of 10.21 seconds had remained unbeaten since 2000. By clocking 10.18 seconds, Animesh not only broke that in July 2025, but became the first Indian to cross the 10.2-second barrier.
Published – June 04, 2026 07:00 am IST
