Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly praised India’s new sprint icons, Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur, during Episode 134 of Mann Ki Baat for their historic, record-breaking performances at the Federation Cup in Ranchi. During the telephone conversation, the Prime Minister highlighted their unique sporting dynamic, celebrating the fact that the duo maintain a fierce rivalry on the track while remaining close friends and roommates off it.
The interaction followed an unprecedented 48 hours in Ranchi, where the national 100-metre record was broken three times between the two athletes. Gurindervir ultimately cemented his status as India’s fastest man, becoming the first Indian in history to break the 10.10-second barrier after clocking a blistering 10.09 seconds.
THE RECORD-BREAKING BATTLE
The intense back-and-forth began during the semi-finals at the Birsa Munda Stadium. Animesh entered the competition as the favourite, holding the previous national record of 10.11 seconds. However, Gurindervir broke the mark first, clocking 10.07 seconds in the opening semi-final heat to briefly claim the record.
Moments later, Animesh responded in the second semi-final by running a spectacular 10.05 seconds to reclaim it. PM Modi compared the rapid exchange to a musical duet, where one performer sets a challenge and the other immediately rises to meet it. Gurindervir then had the final word by storming to 10.09 seconds in the final.
FRIENDS YET RIVALS
Despite competing directly for the country’s sprinting crown, both athletes revealed that their rivalry is built on a foundation of mutual support. Gurindervir shared that even during the warm-up before the record-breaking race, he was actively helping Animesh by advising him on starting blocks and positioning.
However, Gurindervir made it clear that their friendship takes a back seat once the race begins.
“The moment we step onto the track, we become competitors,” he told the Prime Minister. “Then the feeling is, ‘I will run faster than him.’ But outside the track, we are friends.”
ROOMATES WITH A SHARED MISSION
Animesh explained to PM Modi that their bond was strengthened while sharing a room during an international competition in Saudi Arabia. Away from the track, the two sprinters realised they shared a common goal: changing perceptions around Indian sprinting and proving that Indians can compete with the best in the world.
They pledged to push each other to new heights and inspire the next generation of Indian athletes. Rather than allowing rivalry to create resentment, they embraced it as a way to drive each other forward and raise the standard of Indian sprinting.
PM MODI’s PRAISE
PM Modi applauded the pair’s sportsmanship, saying their positive and competitive spirit was helping elevate Indian athletics. He noted that they were setting an example by challenging each other while continuing to support one another’s growth.
The Prime Minister concluded the Mann Ki Baat interaction by extending his best wishes to both Gurindervir and Animesh for the upcoming Commonwealth Games. Expressing confidence in their abilities, he said he was certain they would continue to work hard, break barriers and bring further glory to the country.
– Ends
