Naib Subedar Gulveer Singh has made history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win a medal in the men’s 10,000m event at the Commonwealth Games. Competing for India at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, Singh clinched the silver medal with a commendable time of 27 minutes and 49.78 seconds in a fiercely competitive race. Australia’s Ky Robinson secured the gold medal with a time of 27:44.07, while Singh’s achievement marked India’s maiden medal in this event at the Commonwealth Games.
This achievement is a significant milestone in Singh’s remarkable journey from rural Uttar Pradesh to the global athletics stage. Born on June 1, 1998, in Atrauli, Aligarh district, he hails from a humble farming family. Growing up, he had limited exposure to international athletics and often recounted how few in his village were aware of major competitions like the Commonwealth Games, making his rise even more extraordinary.
Singh’s career took a pivotal turn in 2018 when he joined the Indian Army under the sports quota. He was inducted into The Grenadiers Regiment, where the Army provided him with rigorous training and access to world-class sports infrastructure. This environment played a crucial role in honing his natural endurance and athletic talent.
Reflecting on his early days in athletics, Singh noted that his understanding of competitive distance running deepened significantly after joining the Army. He underwent specialized training at the Army Sports Institute, eventually moving on to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) National Camp for advanced coaching.
The disciplined environment of the Army helped forge Singh into a formidable athlete. Balancing his military duties with training, he rose through the ranks, achieving the rank of Naib Subedar in recognition of his accomplishments in sports. His breakthrough came in 2022 at the Federation Cup in Calicut, where he won bronze in the men’s 10,000m. This victory marked the beginning of his ascent as a serious contender in international athletics.
In 2023, Singh continued to make waves on the continental stage by winning bronze in the men’s 5,000m at the Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok, followed by another bronze in the men’s 10,000m at the Hangzhou Asian Games. These successes established him as India’s leading distance runner.
To further enhance his performance, Singh relocated his training base to Colorado Springs in the United States in 2024 under the guidance of renowned coach Scott Simmons. This move proved transformative as he improved both his technical skills and physical conditioning while competing against some of the world’s best athletes.
He broke the 16-year-old national record in the men’s 10,000m at The TEN meet in California, clocking 27:41.81, and later set an even faster personal best of 27:14.88 in Japan, establishing himself as one of Asia’s elite distance runners.
Singh’s 2025 season was particularly noteworthy; he completed a distance double at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, winning gold medals in both the 5,000m and 10,000m events, with his 5,000m victory setting a championship record. He also competed at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, narrowly missing the final in the 5,000m.
In 2026, Singh made headlines by completing a half-marathon in under one hour, finishing third at the New York City Half Marathon with a time of 59 minutes and 42 seconds. This feat propelled him into the top ten of the World Athletics men’s 10,000m rankings.
His historic silver medal at the Commonwealth Games not only symbolizes his personal triumph but also represents a significant achievement for Indian athletics. Singh’s journey resonates deeply with the ethos of perseverance and determination, reflecting his years of hard work and dedication.
This landmark accomplishment for Singh is also a source of pride for the Indian Army and The Grenadiers Regiment, highlighting their commitment to nurturing athletic talent alongside military professionalism. As India continues to carve its niche in global athletics, Naib Subedar Gulveer Singh’s success is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes and soldiers, encouraging them to strive for excellence on the international stage while serving their country with pride.
