Gurindervir Singh and Vishal Kayalvizhi set Indian sprint records in Ranchi

A historic evening at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition in Ranchi on Saturday saw Indian sprint records shattered in both the men’s 100 meters and 400 meters, while a decathlete also set a landmark mark. The day delivered three national records, two of them within 30 minutes at the Birsa Munda Stadium.

In the marquee 100-meter final, Gurindervir Singh became the first Indian man to run under 10.10 seconds, clocking 10.09 seconds to claim the national record. The race capped a dramatic two-day duel with Animesh Kujur. On Friday, Gurindervir had broken Kujur’s previous record of 10.18 seconds with a 10.17 second run in the first semifinal heat, only for Kujur to reclaim it minutes later in the second semifinal with 10.15 seconds. On Saturday, Gurindervir seized the record decisively, finishing well ahead of Kujur, who took second in 10.20 seconds. Both sprinters have qualified for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with the qualifying mark set at 10.16 seconds.

After crossing the finish line, Gurindervir displayed a message on his bib reading “Task is not finished yet. 10.10. Wait. I am still standing.” He said the note was a reminder to himself after...