PM Modi hails Indian sprinters Gurinder Veer, Animesh Kujur in Mann Ki Baat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated Indian sprinters Gurinder Veer Singh and Animesh Kujur during his Mann Ki Baat programme, praising their record-breaking performances at the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition held in Ranchi.

Referring to the men’s 100-metre event, PM Modi noted that the national record was broken three times within two days by the two athletes. During an interaction on the programme, both sprinters spoke about their journeys, struggles and determination to excel in an event often considered challenging for Indian athletes.

Animesh Kujur, who hails from Chhattisgarh and represents Odisha, said he began athletics in 2021 after previously playing football and has since gone on to win medals at the Asian and World University Games. Gurinder Veer Singh, a Petty Officer in the Indian Navy, said he recently clocked 10.09 seconds in the 100 metres, becoming the first Indian to run below the 10.1-second barrier.

The two athletes credited their families, coaches and mutual support for their success. Kujur said they were driven by a shared goal of taking Indian sprinting to new heights, while Gurinder Veer highlighted how they encourage each other despite being fierce competitors on the track.

Congratulating the athletes, the Prime Minister said their sportsmanship, healthy rivalry and commitment to helping each other improve were exemplary. He expressed confidence that they would continue to bring glory to the country in future international competitions, including the upcoming Commonwealth Games.