This is one of those sports stories which actually feels good to read,especially when Indian sprinting usually does not get this much attention . Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke with Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur after both made headlines by breaking national records three times during their recent performances .
And in latest episode of his monthly radio program,'Mann Ki Baat',PM Modi praised their work and sounded quite hopeful about where Indian athletics can go from here . He said,"Our fellow citizens are doing remarkable work in interest of the nation and society,and we get inspired when we hear about them," and honestly,that line fits this moment nicely .
During National Senior Athletics Federation Competition held in Ranchi,Jharkhand,around 800 athletes participated . That itself is not small thing ah. PM Modi also noted that four national records were broken in different events,which shows competition level was really serious.
But biggest spotlight came on 100-meter race,where Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur broke national record within just two days . For Indian sprinting,this kind of back-to-back record breaking feels exciting because short sprint events have not always been our strongest area.
Few things standing out clearly here:
- Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur broke national records three times during their recent performances.
- Around 800 athletes participated in National Senior Athletics Federation Competition held in Ranchi,Jharkhand.
- PM Modi praised their dedication and said their success can inspire young athletes.
And their personal journeys also make story better. Gurindervir Singh serves as a Petty Officer in Indian Navy and shared that he became interested in athletics during COVID-19 pandemic . That is quite unexpected,coming into sport from that phase and then reaching national record level.
Animesh Kujur,who comes from Jashpur,Chhattisgarh,also spoke about his focus on short-sprint events . This part matters because these events were traditionally dominated by middle-distance runners from India,so seeing serious ambition in sprinting feels like shift only.
There was also nice friendly rivalry angle. PM Modi jokingly asked if they had made some bet about breaking each other's records . Kujur replied,"We had decided to break each other's record,and today,it was done by us,so it's fine... We know we have to take India's sprinting forward," while Gurindervir said,"Outside the ground, we are friends,but on the ground,we are competitors."
And tbh,that is best kind of competition . PM Modi also appreciated this attitude and said,"Your sportsman spirit to play,compete, and work towards progress is exemplary." Now question is whether this spark in Indian sprinting can become something bigger,or whether we will again wait for few names to carry whole hope…
