New Delhi: Indian sprint sensation Gurindervir Singh shared a touching childhood memory during a personal interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the latest episode of Mann Ki Baat, drawing warm laughter from the Prime Minister. Recalling his early years, the national record-holder revealed that whenever he used to be engrossed in watching television, his mother would promptly switch it off and instruct him to focus entirely on his school studies. Driven by an early determination to chase his athletic dreams, a young Gurindervir would confidently tell her that while she was stopping him from watching television then, a day would surely come when she would be searching for him on the screen to watch her son run. Looking back at that definitive moment, the sprinter expressed immense pride and joy that his mother now watches him compete on television.
During the broadcast, Prime Minister Modi lauded Gurindervir Singh alongside fellow elite sprinter Animesh Kujur for their exceptional performances in the 100-metre sprint at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition in Ranchi. The Prime Minister specifically celebrated the historic feat where the men’s national 100-metre record was shattered three times within a span of 48 hours, culminating in Gurindervir clocking a blistering 10.09 seconds to become the first Indian in history to breach the 10.10-second barrier. Describing the milestone as a proud achievement for Indian athletics, the Prime Minister noted that the healthy rivalry and mutual respect between the two athletes serves as an inspiration for young sportspeople across the country.
Gurindervir, who currently serves as a Petty Officer in the Indian Navy, also opened up about the familial inspirations and childhood struggles that shaped his sporting journey. He revealed that as a young boy, he was deeply fascinated by the medals and trophies won by his father, a former national-level volleyball player who had to give up his sports career due to financial hardships. Gurindervir recalled how he loved cleaning those trophies during festivals and eagerly asking his father about the stories behind each accolade. Motivated by his family’s unfulfilled sporting dreams and the legendary training tales of the late Milkha Singh, Gurindervir promised his father that he would carry the legacy forward, eventually paving his way to securing qualification for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
