Bhubaneswar: Indian athletics witnessed a spectacular sprinting moment on Wednesday as Gurindervir Singh smashed the men’s 60m national indoor record at the National Indoor Athletics Championships 2026, held at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.
Record-Breaking Sprint Steals the Spotlight
The 26-year-old sprinter from Punjab blazed through the final, stopping the clock at an impressive 6.60 seconds, eclipsing the previous national record of 6.67 seconds set in 2018. This performance, which secured him the gold medal, is currently awaiting official ratification from the Athletics Federation of India.
The race was fiercely competitive, with Lalu Prasad Bhoi finishing second in 6.65 seconds, also under the previous national record, and Nuzrat claiming bronze with 6.71 seconds.
Tense Start: False Starts Shake the Field
The men’s 60m final saw its share of drama, with three false starts causing tension on the track. The last false start led to the disqualification of Animesh Kujur, a national record-holder in the 100m and 200m events, significantly reshaping the race dynamics.
Gurindervir Singh’s Continued Rise
This latest achievement strengthens Gurindervir Singh’s growing reputation as one of India’s fastest sprinters. Last year, he set a national record of 10.20 seconds in the 100m, and his continued dominance in short-distance events signals a promising trajectory for Indian sprinting on international stages.
Women’s Sprint and 400m Shine
In the women’s 60m, Harita Bhandra of Maharashtra delivered a strong performance, winning in 7.32 seconds, followed by Unnathi Bollanda and Trisha Nair.
In the women’s 400m, Saloni Nagar Kumari broke a long-standing indoor record with a time of 53.73 seconds, surpassing the previous mark of 53.89 seconds set in 2005, marking one of the day’s standout performances.
Field Events Highlight Emerging Talent
The field events also provided memorable moments. Swadhin Kumar Majhi clinched the men’s high jump title at 2.18 meters, narrowly edging Sarvesh Anil Kushare (2.15m), with Dhairyshil Dhanaji Gayakwad finishing third.
In men’s pole vault, debutant Reegan G impressed with a clearance of 5.30 meters, the best indoor performance by an Indian athlete, though he fell short at 5.41 meters.
Rising Stars Shine on Day Two
The second day showcased a host of young talents in sprints, middle-distance races, and field events. Winners included Mallala Anusha and Vimal Mukesh Thamizh in triple jump, Payal Jamod in women’s high jump, and Mohammed Sinan in men’s 400m. The 1500m races saw victories for Priyanka C and Vinod Singh, highlighting the growing depth of Indian athletics.
The championships continue to offer a stage for both established stars and emerging athletes, providing a glimpse into the promising future of Indian track and field.
