Indian long-distance runner Gulveer Singh scripted history by becoming the first Indian ever to win a medal in the men’s 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games after claiming a memorable silver medal at the 2026 edition in Glasgow on Tuesday.The national record holder clocked 27:49.78 to finish second behind Australia’s Ky Robinson, who took home the gold medal. David Mullarkey of the Isle of Man completed the podium with bronze, while traditional distance-running powerhouses Kenya and Uganda were surprisingly shut out of the medals.
Gulveer executes perfect race strategy
Competing in challenging rain-soaked conditions, Gulveer adopted a composed and tactical approach throughout the race. He remained comfortably within the leading pack for most of the 25-lap contest, conserving energy while closely tracking the frontrunners. With one lap remaining, the Indian runner was positioned in third place before producing a stunning burst of speed in the closing stages. His powerful finishing kick carried him into second place, securing a historic silver and one of India’s greatest achievements in Commonwealth Games distance running.
Historic milestone for Indian athletics
Gulveer’s podium finish ended India’s long-standing wait for success in the men’s 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games. No Indian athlete had previously won a medal in the event, making his silver a landmark moment for Indian athletics.India’s medallists so far are 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), Gulveer Singh (silver, men’s 10,000m), Harjinder Kaur (silver, weightlifting), Valluri Ajaya Babu (silver, weightlifting), Bindyarani Devi (bronze, weightlifting), Shilpa K. Shyla (bronze, women’s shot put F57) and Jhandu Kumar (bronze, para powerlifting).
