Our Bureau
Jalandhar
Jalandhar’s 24-year-old Gurindervir Singh has etched his name in history by becoming India’s fastest sprinter, clocking an impressive 10.20 seconds in the 100m race at the Indian Grand Prix 1 in Bengaluru. This feat not only shattered the previous national record of 10.23 seconds but also earned him the title of “Flying Sikh-2,” a nod to legendary sprinter Milkha Singh.
Hailing from the small Patial village near Bhogpur, Gurindervir’s journey to stardom has been one of perseverance and dedication. Inspired by Usain Bolt’s iconic 2008 Olympic run, Gurindervir began his sprinting career under challenging circumstances. His father, ASI Kamaljit Singh, recognized his potential early and enrolled him in schools with robust sports facilities, despite financial constraints. His progress was nurtured by coaches Sarwan Singh and Sarabjeet Singh Happy, who played pivotal roles in shaping his career.
Gurindervir’s rise to prominence has been marked by consistent improvement over the years. Starting with a time of 10.69 seconds in 2017, he steadily honed his skills to achieve this record-breaking performance. Along the way, he won medals at prestigious events, including gold at the 2017 Youth Asia Championships and silver at the 2019 South Asian Games.
Currently training under English coach James Hiller at the Reliance Foundation High-Performance Centre, Gurindervir attributes his success to meticulous planning and support from his family and sponsors. His achievement has also qualified him for upcoming international competitions like the Asian Athletics Championships and bolstered hopes for his participation in global events such as the Olympics.
Gurindervir’s story is not just about speed but also about resilience. Despite facing financial struggles and health challenges like stomach ulcers, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence. His spiritual commitment, symbolized by maintaining his Sikh identity on the track, has further inspired many.
