The Indian Grand Prix 1 (IGP 1) 2025 at the SAI Center, Bengaluru, witnessed a historic day for Indian sprinting, with Gurindervir Singh rewriting the men’s 100m national record (NR) with a stunning 10.20s, surpassing Manikanta Hoblidhar’s previous mark of 10.23s.
This performance not only cements Gurindervir’s status as India’s fastest man but also qualifies him for the Asian Athletics Championships, meeting the Athletics Federation of India’s (AFI) guideline of 10.25s.
Gurindervir Singh: A Legacy of Dominance
Gurindervir Singh has consistently proven his mettle across all age categories, having been India’s No. 1 sprinter in the U16, U18, U20, and now at the senior level.
His journey has been one of perseverance, constant improvement, and breaking barriers. With this new record, he now holds both the U20 and senior 100m national records, a testament to his dominance over Indian sprinting.
His 10.20s run is a major milestone, bringing Indian sprinting closer to global benchmarks. It reflects the increasing competitiveness in the Indian sprinting circuit and raises hopes for even faster times in the coming months.
Given his current form, Gurindervir will be a key contender for medals at the Asian Athletics Championships and other international meets.
Manikanta Hoblidhar Joins the Elite List
While Gurindervir stole the headlines, Manikanta Hoblidhar also made waves, clocking 10.23s, meeting the AFI qualification guideline for the Asian Athletics Championships.
Manikanta, the previous national record holder, showcased his consistency and remains one of India’s top sprinters. His duel with Gurindervir promises to push both athletes to greater heights in the coming months.
Women’s Sprinting: Nithya Gandhe Shines
The women’s sprint events at IGP 1 also delivered remarkable performances. Nithya Gandhe produced a big personal best (PB) of 11.41s in the 100m, surpassing the AFI qualification guideline of 11.46s for the Asian Athletics Championships.
She became the first female sprinter to meet the standard, solidifying her place among India’s top sprinters.
Nithya continued her dominance in the 200m, where she defeated the more fancied Jyothi Yarraji, clocking another PB of 23.36s. This performance highlights her rapid improvement and positions her as a major contender in both sprint events.
Other Key Performances at IGP 1
Men’s 200m: Amlan Borgohain’s Comeback
India’s top 200m sprinter, Amlan Borgohain, made a strong return to form after a challenging 2024 season. He clocked 20.83s to take first place, reaffirming his dominance in the event. Manikanta Hoblidhar (21.20s) and Lalu Bhoi (21.26s) secured second and third place, respectively.
Women’s 100m Hurdles: Jyothi Yarraji Leads the Way
Reigning hurdles queen Jyothi Yarraji clocked a season’s best (SB) of 13.07s to win the 100m hurdles. While it wasn’t her personal best, it showed her consistency as she prepares for bigger international competitions.
Men’s High Jump: Sarvesh Kushare’s Strong Start
In the field events, Sarvesh Anil Kushare cleared 2.23m to win the men’s high jump. He was closely followed by Aadarsh Ram, who finished second with 2.18m.
Women’s High Jump: Abinaya Shetty’s Best in 2.5 Years
Abinaya Shetty cleared 1.83m to win the women’s high jump, her best mark in almost 2.5 years. With a personal best of 1.84m, she is regaining her top form ahead of a crucial season.
What This Means for Indian Athletics
The performances at IGP 1 signal an exciting year ahead for Indian athletics. With multiple athletes meeting the Asian Athletics Championships qualification guidelines, the country is shaping up to send a strong contingent to the continental event.
• Gurindervir Singh’s 10.20s is a breakthrough moment for Indian sprinting, setting new standards for upcoming athletes.
• Manikanta Hoblidhar’s 10.23s ensures India now has two sprinters capable of running sub-10.25, a major leap forward.
• Nithya Gandhe’s rise in both the 100m (11.41s) and 200m (23.36s) makes her a name to watch in Indian women’s sprinting.
With the National Open Championships and Asian Athletics Championships on the horizon, India’s track and field athletes are gearing up for a defining season. If these performances are any indication, Indian athletics is set for an exciting and record-breaking year.
