The celebrations following Gurindervir Singh becoming India’s fastest man carried far more meaning for his family than just a national record. Behind the sprinter’s historic 10.09 second run in the men’s 100 metre event is a long story of financial struggles, persistence and a father’s unwavering support.
For Kamaljit Singh, a retired Punjab Police Assistant Sub Inspector and former volleyball player, the achievement marked the fulfilment of a dream he had nurtured since Gurindervir’s childhood. He said he recognised his son’s extraordinary pace at a very young age when he began taking him to local grounds for practice.
According to Kamaljit, Gurindervir’s coaches had early on predicted that the youngster could become a leading athlete for the country. Determined not to let financial limitations come in the way, the family began reshaping its life around the young sprinter’s ambitions.
During his school years, Gurindervir travelled daily for training sessions, spending several hours commuting before returning home tired in the evenings. To reduce his travel difficulties and help him focus better on practice, his father arranged a used scooter despite limited means. When the vehicle later became unreliable, another scooter was purchased on instalments so the athlete’s training schedule would continue uninterrupted.
The family also shifted from their native village near Bhogpur to Jalandhar to provide Gurindervir access to improved coaching facilities and a better sporting environment. Kamaljit said every decision taken by the family revolved around supporting his son’s athletics career.
He credited several coaches for guiding Gurindervir through difficult phases, especially Sarabjeet Singh Happy from Jalandhar Arts and Sports College, who played an important role in refining his abilities on the track.
While the national record has brought recognition and praise from across the country, Kamaljit believes his son’s journey is still incomplete. He said his biggest wish now is to see Gurindervir win an Olympic medal for India.
The retired police official also urged the Punjab government to provide employment to the athlete, saying such achievements deserve institutional recognition and support.