For Gurindervir Singh, the journey to becoming one of India’s fastest sprinters began with a clear belief in himself.
When Gurindervir came to train in 2007, his father, Kamaljit Singh, introduced him to coach Sarwan Singh. His talent for running was evident from the beginning. But alongside his speed was a competitive spirit that quickly set him apart.
His father became his first source of guidance, motivation and inspiration. From mountain climbers, push-ups and pull-ups to the fundamentals of training, Kamaljit helped shape Gurindervir’s early development.
In the latest episode of Reliance Foundation Sports’ Safar Champions Ka, Gurindervir Singh opens up about his journey from a young athlete who refused to give up on the 100m to becoming one of India’s fastest sprinters, the people who recognised his potential and the goals that still lie ahead.
Even when others suggested that he should move to the 400m, Gurindervir remained firm.
“No, I will only run the 100 metres. Otherwise, I won’t play at all.”
Coach Sarwan Singh quickly recognised something special in the young sprinter. Gurindervir would give everything to every competition, even a 50m run, finishing with the same intensity right up to the final metre. His passion and competitive spirit convinced Sarwan that he had the potential to become one of the best in the 100m and 200m.
But potential had to be developed.
“I had the physical strength, but I didn’t know how to channel or use it,” Gurindervir recalls.
With the right coaching, he began learning how to use his strength more effectively and engage with every aspect of his training.
His progress soon began to show on the biggest stages. Gurindervir set a National Record in the Under-18 category and won Asian gold, before setting another National Record in the Under-20 category.
As his performances continued to improve, coach Sarabjit Singh saw an opportunity to take Gurindervir’s development to the next level. He spoke to Reliance Foundation Sports, Athletics Director James Hillier and asked him to support the young sprinter.
Following Gurindervir’s win in Panchkula in 2024, James tested him and recognised his potential. That assessment led to Gurindervir joining the Reliance Foundation Sports programme in 2024, marking the beginning of another important chapter in his development.
At Indian Grand Prix 1 in Bengaluru in March 2025, Gurindervir clocked 10.20 seconds to set a new national record. The performance marked another significant step forward in his journey.
The 2026 Federation Cup in Ranchi produced one of the most dramatic chapters in Indian sprinting. In the semi-finals, Gurindervir first broke Animesh Kujur’s national record of 10.18 seconds with a 10.17-second run. Minutes later, Animesh responded in the next heat, clocking 10.15 seconds to reclaim the record. The record then changed hands once again in the final, where Gurindervir stormed to 10.09 seconds, becoming the first Indian sprinter to break the 10.10-second barrier.
With every competition, his confidence grew. Before the race that would change his career, Gurindervir had one simple thought: he wanted to run something extraordinary. He told his coach that he needed a good start. When that start came, everything changed.
“Once that start went well, I felt like I was flying on wings, up in the air, and I was completely out of anyone’s reach.” The performance brought immense joy to Gurindervir and his family. It also sparked comparisons with one of India’s greatest sprinters, Milkha Singh.
“Many people began calling me ‘Milkha Singh 2.0’ and ‘The Flying Sikh’. It feels truly wonderful when they say that and compare me to him. It makes my family feel incredibly proud.”
Behind Gurindervir’s journey has been the unwavering support of his parents, Kamaljit Singh and Rupinder Kaur. From his early days in athletics to his record-breaking performances, their belief has remained a constant.
For Gurindervir, the journey has always been about believing that his day would come. His father could see that the goals were achievable if he continued to work hard. The journey was long, but the milestones kept coming. And there is still more to accomplish. Gurindervir’s parents, Kamaljit Singh and Rupinder Kaur, have their hopes firmly set on the future.
“We only hope and pray that he sets a new record in the Commonwealth Games, and similarly excels at the Asian Games. We hope he brings home a gold medal from the Olympics to bring glory to his country and make his entire home region proud.”
For his journey so far, Gurindervir also acknowledges the support of Reliance Foundation Sports.
“We owe a huge thanks to Reliance as well for taking up this responsibility. If these resources and support were not there, perhaps this diamond would not have been polished and refined this way.”
From a young boy who refused to give up on the 100m to the first Indian sprinter to break the 10.10-second barrier, Gurindervir Singh’s story is one of belief, hard work and the right support at the right time. The fastest chapters may have only just begun. Gurindervir Singh’s Safar Champions Ka continues.