Just two days before scripting history on the track, sprint sensation Gurindervir Singh was busy inspiring the next generation of athletes in Punjab.
The national record holder, who stunned the country with a blistering 10.09-second finish in the men’s 100m, had spoken to a group of young girls training in Jalandhar, encouraging them to work hard and believe in their dreams.
The girls had cleared the PIS trials nearly two months ago and were practising at the grounds of Government Arts and Sports College, Jalandhar, when athletics coach Sarabjeet Singh Happy — who had earlier trained Gurindervir, connected them with the star sprinter over a phone call.
“Tusi vi ethe takk pahunchna hai, khoob mehnat kro, main vi ethe hi khed-da si,” Gurindervir told them in Punjabi. (You too have to reach this level. Work very hard. I also used to play here once).
At that moment, the girls admired Gurindervir as a talented athlete. But within just two days, he had become India’s fastest man, dominating headlines and social media after rewriting the national record books.
“Just two days later, he became the best in the country and was everywhere in the news. The girls couldn’t have been happier,” coach Sarabjeet Singh Happy said.
During the interaction, Gurindervir reminded the youngsters that he too had once trained on the same grounds where they now chase their dreams.
“Best wishes for your future. I will see you all soon,” he told them before ending the call, words that have now become a lasting source of inspiration for the budding athletes.
