Indian Navy News, Bengaluru, March 28, 2025 – Petty Officer Gurindervir Singh of the Indian Navy has etched his name in the annals of Indian athletics, clocking a blistering 10.20 seconds to set a new Men’s 100m National Record at the Indian Grand Prix 1. The 24-year-old sprinter from Punjab shattered the previous mark of 10.23 seconds, held by Manikanta Hoblidhar since October 2023, during a thrilling race at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) South Centre on Friday.
Record-Breaking Run at Indian Grand Prix 1
Singh’s record-breaking run wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a testament to the Indian Navy’s growing influence in nurturing sporting talent.
Representing Reliance Foundation’s High-Performance Centre, where he trains under coach James Hillier, Singh outpaced a formidable field, including Hoblidhar, who finished a close second at 10.22 seconds—also bettering his own prior record.
Amlan Borgohain, the current 200m national record holder, took third with 10.43 seconds, rounding out a Reliance-dominated podium.
From Naval Duty to Athletic Glory
“I’ve been chasing this record for years,” Singh said post-race. “Joining Reliance six months ago gave me the confidence and support I needed—better training, nutrition, and facilities. This is just the beginning.” His time not only eclipsed his previous personal best of 10.27 seconds (set in 2021) but also secured his qualification for the Asian Athletics Championships in May 2025, with the entry standard set at 10.25 seconds.
History Made! 🇮🇳⚡
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 29, 2025
Gurindervir Singh, PO, #IndianNavy sets a new Men's 100m National Record, blazing through with a stunning 10.20 seconds at the Indian Grand Prix 1. #IndianAthletics #NationalRecord #Speedster #TeamIndia @SpokespersonMoD@afiindia @Media_SAI @WeAreTeamIndia pic.twitter.com/JYgJH23pul
For the Indian Navy, Singh’s feat is a point of pride. The Navy has long supported its personnel in balancing military duties with athletic pursuits, producing stars like Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Dattu Bhokanal. “Gurindervir’s achievement showcases the discipline and determination instilled by naval training,” an Indian Navy spokesperson noted on X. “He’s a speedster and a symbol of Team India’s spirit.”
A Nail-Biting Finish
The race itself was a nail-biter. Lined up in lanes 5 and 6, Singh and Hoblidhar went stride-for-stride, with Singh surging ahead in the final meters to clinch the record by a razor-thin 0.03-second margin.
His explosive start and sustained power reflect the rigorous conditioning that’s become a hallmark of his training regimen, now bolstered by Reliance’s Rs 2,000-per-day diet budget—a stark upgrade from the Rs 160 he managed in Jalandhar.
Navy’s Pride and Strategic Context
This milestone comes at a pivotal time for Indian defence forces, as the 2025-26 budget allocates Rs 1,80,000 crore for modernization—a figure that indirectly supports initiatives like the Navy’s sports programs.
Singh’s success could inspire more servicemen to pursue dual careers, blending military service with athletic excellence.
Future Ambitions
Looking ahead, Singh has his sights set on the Federation Cup in April and a medal at the Asian Championships. “I believe I can hit 10.10 seconds soon,” he said, exuding confidence. For "India Defence News" readers, this isn’t just a sporting story—it’s a reminder of how the armed forces contribute to national pride, on and off the battlefield.