Mann Ki Baat: 'I'll run faster than him' — Gurindervir, Animesh Kujur in conversation with PM Modi

PM Modi also joked about Gurindervir & Animesh having bets about breaking each other’s records.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Indian track athletes Gurundervir Singh and Animesh Kujur following their record-breaking performances at the recent Federation Cup in Ranchi.

Talking about the recently concluded Federation Cup, PM Modi said: “One event, which is being discussed a lot across the country, is the 100-metre race. Within just two days, the national record in the men’s 100-metre race was broken three times. The two athletes who achieved this remarkable feat are Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur.”

PM Modi had a telephonic conversation with the two athletes during Episode 134 of Mann Ki Baat. The conversation primarily revolved around the Federation Cup, where the national 100-metre record was broken three times between Gurundervir and Animesh, both of whom are good friends.

The friendship between the two Indian track athletes has also become the driving force for their rivalry in the 100-metre discipline.

However, in Ranchi, the history books were written by Gurundervir Singh, who cemented his name as India’s fastest man with a time of 10.09 seconds.

The tournament commenced with Animesh as the top favourite and then record holder at 10.18 seconds. At the Birsa Munda Stadium, Singh started the battle by clocking 10.17 seconds in the opening semi-final heat.

However, it was short-lived as Kujur responded with a time of 10.15 seconds. Nevertheless, Gurundervir Singh has the last laugh after he won the final, becoming the first Indian to clock a time under 10.10 seconds at the event.

Talking about his friendship with Animesh, Gurundervir told PM Modi,

“The moment we step onto the track, we become competitors. Then the feeling is, ‘I will run faster than him.’ But outside the track, we are friends.”

The Prime Minister also joked that the two had bet against each other. However, Animesh also revealed that his bond with Singh has strengthened because they have also stayed as roommates in international tournaments.

Lauding both the athletes for their performance in the Federation Cup and setting a new benchmark in the 100-metre event, PM Modi added,

“The competition you both have participated in is to enhance the country’s honour, to take the country to greater heights and to do so with a positive spirit. I believe that your sportsman spirit to play, compete and work towards progress and to help each other is exemplary work.”

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