Vijender Questions Punjab’s Support for Record-Breaking Sprinter

Olympic boxer Vijender Singh has questioned the Punjab government’s commitment to athletes after sprinter Gurinderveer Singh shattered the national 100-metre record. Speaking on social media, Vijender noted that the state was quick to celebrate the 10.09-second performance at the Federation Cup but had failed to provide basic training infrastructure earlier. Gurinderveer had previously disclosed that, although employed by the government, he received neither regular access to a quality stadium nor sufficient time off for practice. Vijender stressed that recognition after victory means little if athletes are left unsupported during their formative years. The record-breaking run in Ranchi has placed Punjab in the national spotlight, yet the boxer’s remarks have drawn attention to the gap between post-success praise and pre-success assistance. Sports observers say the comments reflect a wider pattern in which governments often highlight achievements only after they occur, leaving athletes to fend for themselves during training. Vijender’s intervention has sparked fresh discussion on how states can better nurture talent from the grassroots upward.