Gulveer Singh, a long-distance runner from India, achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian athlete to secure a medal in the men’s 10,000m event at the Commonwealth Games. He claimed a silver medal at the 2026 edition held in Glasgow.
Singh completed the race with a time of 27:49.78, finishing behind Ky Robinson of Australia, who earned the gold medal. David Mullarkey from the Isle of Man secured the bronze, marking a notable absence of athletes from traditional distance-running nations like Kenya and Uganda on the podium.
Race Strategy and Performance
The race unfolded in challenging rain-soaked conditions. Singh adopted a strategic approach, maintaining a position within the leading group for the majority of the 25-lap event. This allowed him to conserve energy while closely monitoring the frontrunners.
As the race neared its conclusion, Singh was in third place with one lap remaining. He then executed a powerful surge in the final stages, demonstrating a strong finishing kick that propelled him into second position, securing the historic silver medal.
During the race, Singh was observed keeping pace with the leaders, particularly at the 1,000-metre mark, where he was in third position, completing 2,000m in 5.49 seconds. At the 5,000m mark, he was in sixth place, clocking 14.16.1 seconds. He moved up to fifth after 7,000m and was in fourth position after 9,000m before his final push.
Historic Achievement for Indian Athletics
Singh’s silver medal represents a landmark moment for Indian athletics, ending a long wait for success in the men’s 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games. No Indian athlete had previously won a medal in this specific event.
The 27-year-old athlete, an Army Naib Subedar, had previously broken the national record in the marathon earlier in the year. He also secured an Asian Games bronze medal in 2022.
His performance was highlighted by his ability to navigate the rainy conditions at Scotstoun Stadium, which also affected other events, such as the women’s high jump final, which was temporarily suspended due to heavy rain.
India’s Medal Tally at the Games
Singh’s silver medal contributes to India’s overall medal count at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Other Indian medallists include:
- Mirabai Chanu (gold, weightlifting)
- Sharmila Dhankar (gold, women’s shot put F57)
- Rishikanta Singh (silver, weightlifting)
- Muthupandi Raja (silver, weightlifting)
- Gyaneshwari Yadav (silver, weightlifting)
- Sarvesh Kushare (silver, men’s high jump)
- Harjinder Kaur (silver, weightlifting)
- Valluri Ajaya Babu (silver, weightlifting)
- Bindyarani Devi (bronze, weightlifting)
- Shilpa K. Shyla (bronze, women’s shot put F57)
- Jhandu Kumar (bronze, para powerlifting)
In other events, Harjinder Kaur also secured a silver medal in the women’s 69kg weightlifting event, achieving a personal-best total of 227kg. She lifted 101kg in the snatch and 126kg in the clean and jerk. Canada’s Charlotte Simoneau won gold with a total of 240kg.
Indian boxers Jadumani Singh, Preeti, and Priya have advanced to the semifinals in their respective categories, assuring themselves of medals. Jadumani Singh Mandengbam won his men’s 55kg quarterfinal bout against Mwengo Mwale of Zambia with a 4-1 decision.
However, Kapil Pokhariya was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the men’s 90kg boxing event, losing to Robert McNulty. Indian swimmer Srihari Nataraj did not reach the final of the men’s 100m backstroke, finishing 12th overall with a time of 55.52 seconds. Pooja Singh, a 19-year-old high jumper, was unable to clear 1.82m in the women’s high jump final due to the challenging weather conditions.
The Commonwealth Games 2026 continue with various events, and athletes like Vishal TK were also expected to be in action on July 28.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
