India’s sprinting landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two years, and at the centre of it is Gurindervir Singh.
The 25-year-old Punjab sprinter heads into the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as one of India’s biggest names after rewriting the national record books in the men’s 100m.
The current national record holder in the 100m, 60m (indoor) and 4x100m relay, Gurindervir, has emerged as the face of Indian sprinting and carries hopes of delivering a historic performance on the Commonwealth stage.
Early days
Born on December 24, 2000, in Patial village near Bhogpur in Punjab’s Jalandhar district, Gurindervir grew up in a family with strong sporting influences.
His father, Kamaljit Singh, a retired Assistant Sub-Inspector and former national-level volleyball player, introduced him to athletics through basic fitness drills such as sprinting, skipping and jumping.
His grandfather, a kabaddi player who served in the Indian Army, instilled discipline and resilience, while his mother provided unwavering support throughout his journey.
Inspired by Usain Bolt’s performances at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Gurindervir developed an interest in sprinting at a young age. His talent was first recognised at Guru Nanak Mission Public School by coach Sarwan Singh before Sarabjit Singh helped refine his technique.
When he decided to specialise in the 100m as a teenager, some coaches advised him to switch to the 400m, believing Indians lacked the physical attributes to excel in sprinting.
Gurindervir remained committed to the shorter distance, a decision that would eventually redefine Indian athletics.
Rising through the ranks
Gurindervir’s progress was evident from his junior years. He announced himself on the continental stage by winning the boys’ 100m gold medal at the 2017 Asian Youth Championships in Bangkok before representing India at the World U-18 Championships later that year.
He continued to gather international experience with a bronze medal in the 4x100m relay at the 2018 Asian Junior Championships in Japan and competed at the South Asian Games, Summer Universiade and several international competitions, steadily establishing himself among India’s promising young sprinters.
Alongside his athletics career, Gurindervir joined the Indian Navy through the sports quota and currently serves as a Petty Officer, balancing his military responsibilities with elite-level training and competition.
Overcoming setbacks
Just as his career appeared to be gathering momentum, Gurindervir encountered a major obstacle in 2022 when he developed a severe digestive disorder that affected his body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
The condition forced him to take an extended break from competition and threatened to derail his progress.
His return was aided by the Reliance Foundation High Performance Centre, where access to sports science, nutrition, physiotherapy and structured strength and conditioning programmes helped him regain his fitness.
Training under English coach James Hillier alongside fellow sprinters, including Animesh Kujur, allowed him to rebuild both physically and mentally.
The recovery proved to be a turning point, laying the foundation for the best performances of his career.
Record-breaking season
Gurindervir’s breakthrough came in 2025 when he clocked 10.20 seconds at the Indian Grand Prix in Bengaluru to set a new national record in the men’s 100m.
Weeks later, he was part of the Indian quartet that established another national record in the men’s 4x100m relay with a time of 38.69 seconds.
His remarkable run continued in 2026. In March, he set a new national indoor record of 6.60 seconds in the men’s 60m before producing a historic performance at the National Senior Athletics Championships in Ranchi two months later.
After lowering the national record to 10.17 seconds in the semifinals, Gurindervir improved further in the final, clocking 10.09 seconds to become the first Indian athlete to break the 10.10-second barrier in the men’s 100m.
The performance secured qualification for both the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games while cementing his position as India’s fastest man.
With national records in the 100m, 60m and 4x100m relay, Gurindervir has become one of the country’s most accomplished sprinters and a symbol of Indian sprinting’s rapid progress.
Eyes on Commonwealth Games glory
Heading into Glasgow, Gurindervir is among the most closely watched members of the Indian athletics contingent.
While sprint events at the Commonwealth Games have traditionally been dominated by athletes from Jamaica, England and other sprinting nations, the Indian sprinter’s recent performances have fuelled optimism that he can challenge the established order.
Beyond Glasgow, Gurindervir’s rise has already altered perceptions of Indian sprinting.
By becoming the first Indian to break the 10.10-second barrier and holding three national records, he has demonstrated that Indian athletes can compete at increasingly higher levels in one of athletics’ most competitive events.
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