Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi talks to Gurindervir Singh, Animesh Kujur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, May 31, heaped praise on athletes for their record-breaking performances during the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition in Jharkhand’s Ranchi.

While addressing the 134th episode of his monthly radio programme, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister spoke to Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur, both of whom broke the national record thrice. He lauded them for their “exemplary work” and expressed confidence that they will take the country to new heights.

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“In various parts of the country, our fellow citizens are doing remarkable work… We get inspired when we hear about them,” PM Modi said.

Highlighting that around 800 athletes from all over India participated in the competition, Prime Minister Modi said that four national records were broken in four different events – Gurindervir Singh, Vishak TK, Tejaswin Shankar, Dev Meena, and Kuldeep Kumar.

“One event, which is being discussed a lot across the country, is the 100 metre race. Within just two days, the national record in Men’s 100 metre race, the national record was broken three times. The two athletes who achieved this remarkable feat are Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur,” Prime Minister Modi said.

During the telephonic conversation, the Prime Minister congratulated both the athletes and lauded their dedication to the sport.

While speaking to PM Modi, Kujur said he was born in Jashpur, Chhattisgarh, and that he participates in the short-sprint events in Indian athletics. He mentioned that he got interested in this sport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gurindervir Singh said he is currently serving in the Indian Navy as a Petty Officer. Notably, he emerged as India’s fastest sprinter during the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition with a national record of 10.1 seconds in the 100 metres race. He mentioned that his father and grandfather were also sportsmen.

“During festivals like Diwali and New Year, when people used to clean their homes, I used to clean my father’s trophies and medals. I used to like it a lot and feel very happy,” Gurindervir Singh told Prime Minister Modi.

“Both of you have achieved a remarkable feat, and just within two days, both of you broke the national record thrice. As Gurindervir said that people say bodies of Indians are not made to run in 100 metres, despite this difficulty, you both achieved this,” PM Modi told them.