Athletics – Gurindervir Singh Sets New 60m National Record Indoors
Athletics – India’s sprinting circuit witnessed a remarkable moment on Wednesday as Gurindervir Singh delivered a record-breaking run in the men’s 60m event at the National Indoor Athletics Championships 2026, held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
Record-Breaking Sprint Steals the Spotlight
The 26-year-old sprinter from Punjab surged ahead in the final, clocking an impressive 6.60 seconds to secure the gold medal. His timing surpassed the previous national benchmark of 6.67 seconds, which had stood since 2018. The performance is currently awaiting official confirmation from the Athletics Federation of India.
The race itself was fiercely contested, with Lalu Prasad Bhoi also finishing below the earlier record mark, securing second place in 6.65 seconds. Nuzrat followed closely to claim bronze with a time of 6.71 seconds.
Dramatic Race Marked by False Starts
The men’s 60m final was not without controversy. The event saw three false starts, creating tension on the track. The final false start resulted in the disqualification of Animesh Kujur, who holds national records in both the 100m and 200m events. His exit significantly altered the dynamics of the race.
Gurindervir’s Continued Rise in Sprinting
Gurindervir Singh’s latest achievement further strengthens his reputation as one of India’s fastest sprinters. Having already set a national record of 10.20 seconds in the 100m last year, his dominance in short-distance races continues to grow. His consistency across formats signals a promising future for Indian sprinting on larger stages.
Women’s Sprint and 400m See Strong Performances
In the women’s 60m event, Maharashtra’s Harita Bhandra delivered a commanding performance, finishing first with a time of 7.32 seconds. She was followed by Unnathi Bollanda and Trisha Nair, who secured second and third places respectively.
Another standout moment came in the women’s 400m race. Saloni Nagar Kumari clocked 53.73 seconds to set a new indoor record, surpassing the long-standing mark of 53.89 seconds established in 2005. Her run was one of the most significant highlights of the day.
Field Events Produce Notable Results
The field events also saw competitive performances. Swadhin Kumar Majhi clinched the men’s high jump title with a leap of 2.18 meters, edging past Sarvesh Anil Kushare, who cleared 2.15 meters. Dhairyshil Dhanaji Gayakwad finished third based on countback rules.
In the men’s pole vault, Reegan G impressed in his indoor debut by clearing 5.30 meters, marking the best indoor performance by an Indian athlete in the discipline. He attempted to push further with a 5.41-meter jump but was unable to clear the height.
Emerging Talent Shines on Day Two
The second day of the championships featured a wide range of events, including sprints, middle-distance races, and field competitions. Several young athletes delivered strong performances, indicating a growing depth of talent in Indian athletics.
Winners across various events included Mallala Anusha and Vimal Mukesh Thamizh in the triple jump categories, Payal Jamod in the women’s high jump, and Mohammed Sinan in the men’s 400m. Middle-distance races also saw competitive finishes, with Priyanka C and Vinod Singh emerging victorious in the 1500m events.
The championships continue to serve as a platform for both established athletes and rising stars, offering a glimpse into the future of Indian track and field.