Gurindervir Singh Claims Gold and National Record in Thrilling 60m Final
The National Indoor Athletics Championships concluded with a spectacular and dramatic finish in the men’s 60m race, where Gurindervir Singh not only secured the gold medal but also established a new national record. The event, held in New Delhi, was marked by unexpected twists and intense competition, captivating the audience until the very end.
Unexpected Turn as Favourite Disqualified
The race took a surprising turn when the top contender, Animesh Kujur, was disqualified due to a false start. This decision completely altered the dynamics of the competition, leaving the crowd in disbelief. Gurindervir Singh, competing in his first indoor race, seized the opportunity and clocked an impressive time of 6.60 seconds. This performance surpassed the previous national indoor best of 6.67 seconds, although it is important to note that the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) does not maintain an official list of national indoor records.
Chaotic Start and Emotional Reactions
The race began with significant chaos, as three false starts occurred before the final sprint. The third false start led directly to Animesh Kujur’s disqualification, adding to the tension. Gurindervir expressed mixed feelings about the situation, stating, "He (Animesh) did a false start. I thought if he runs, I will also run better as there would be tough competition. The crowd was also his. It would have been better if he had run." He even attempted to intervene, adding, "So I was saying to the race officials that let him run under protest."
Despite the disruption, Gurindervir remained focused on his performance. He explained, "No, my job was to run my race. I was telling myself that it's okay if I even run alone." Reflecting on the nature of short-distance races, he emphasized, "It’s a short distance. If someone goes ahead of you, you can't catch him. No one knows who will win. Even a world champion can lose." He highlighted the importance of a strong start, noting, "Start is important in 60m and then just run fast. I have a good block start."
Personal Journey and Mental Resilience
Gurindervir opened up about his struggles over the past year, revealing a period of mental challenges. "Last year, I also started with a national record. But later, I got demotivated… I became very negative. I had such a bad time. But, I am hoping to be a different Gurindervir this time," he shared. This victory marks a significant comeback and a renewed sense of determination for the athlete.
Other Highlights from the Championships
In another notable event, Tamil Nadu’s G Reegan won the pole vault with a height of 5.30 meters. However, he expressed disappointment at missing the overall national record, stating, "I just wanted to execute my plans. I am a bit disappointed as I could not do the national record but I am improving."
Complete Results from the National Indoor Athletics Championships
Men’s Events:
- 60m: Gurindevir Singh (Reliance) 6.60 seconds, Lalu Prasad Bhoi (Odisha) 6.65 seconds, Nuzrat (Haryana) 6.71 seconds.
- 400m: Mohammed Sinan (Reliance) 48.27 seconds, Muhammed Badusha (BSF) 49.83 seconds, Aryan Ekka (Odisha) 49.86 seconds.
- 1500m: Vinod Singh (Madhya Pradesh) 3:46.13 seconds, Jagdish (Air Force) 3:50.11 seconds, Sunil Yadav (Rajasthan) 3:50.56 seconds.
- Triple jump: Vimal Mukesh (Navy) 15.41m, Robinson S (Tamil Nadu) 14.67m, Naresh Rohidas (Odisha) 13.92m.
- Pole vault: Reegan G (Tamil Nadu) 5.30m, Rambeer Singh (Army) 4.85m, Bineesh Jacob (Railway) 4.55m.
- High jump: Swadhin Kumar Majhi (Odisha) 2.18m, Sarvesh Anil Kushare (Maharashtra) 2.15m, Dhairyshil D (Maharashtra) 2.15m.
Women’s Events:
- 60m: Harita Bhandra (Maharashtra) 7.32 seconds, Unnathi Bollanda (Karnataka) 7.46 seconds, Trisha Nair (Maharashtra) 7.62 seconds.
- 400m: Kumari Saloni Nagar (Uttar Pradesh) 55.73 seconds, Sukhi Baskey (Odisha) 55.67 seconds, Unnathi Bollanda (Karnataka) 56.45 seconds.
- Triple Jump: Mallala Anusha (JSW) 13.20m, Nimisha Dayma (JSW) 12.93m, Bhairabi Roy (West Bengal) 12.81m.
- High jump: Payal Jamod (Gujrat) 1.71m, Kevinna Ashwine (Tamil Nadu) 1.71m, Pramilla Rajgar (West Bengal) 1.68m.
The championships showcased exceptional talent and resilience among Indian athletes, with Gurindervir Singh’s record-breaking run standing out as a highlight of the event.
