Glasgow: India’s long-distance runner Gulveer Singh etched his name in history at the Commonwealth Games 2026 by becoming the first Indian track and field athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Games. The 28-year-old clinched a bronze medal in the men’s 5000m event, adding to his earlier silver in the 10,000m.
With this achievement, Gulveer also became the first Indian to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the 5000m event, marking a significant milestone for Indian athletics on the global stage.
Historic double in long-distance events
Gulveer completed the 5000m race with a timing of 13 minutes 24.95 seconds, finishing third in a closely contested race. Kenya’s Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang secured the gold medal with a time of 13:23.61, while Australia’s Ky Robinson, who had earlier won gold in the 10,000m, claimed silver with a timing of 13:24.70.
The Indian athlete displayed remarkable consistency throughout the race, staying within the leading pack before making a decisive push in the final lap. His strong finish helped him edge past Kenya’s Cornelius Kemboi by a narrow margin of just 0.04 seconds, underlining the intensity of the contest.
Strong performance despite slower timing
While Gulveer’s performance was historic, his timing in the 5000m was slower than his personal and season-best marks. His season-best stands at 13:03.93, while his national record is an impressive 12:59.77.
Despite not matching his peak timing, Gulveer’s tactical awareness and race execution played a crucial role in securing the bronze medal. Competing against a strong field, including sub-13 runners like Kemboi, the Indian athlete held his ground under pressure.
Building on earlier success
Gulveer had already made headlines earlier in the Games by winning a silver medal in the 10,000m, becoming one of India’s standout performers in athletics. His double-medal feat reflects not only endurance but also versatility across long-distance formats.
The athlete’s performance at the Commonwealth Games builds on his growing reputation. He had previously won a bronze medal in the 10,000m at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, signalling his steady rise in international athletics.
Boost for Indian athletics
Gulveer’s historic achievement is seen as a major boost for Indian athletics, particularly in long-distance running, a discipline where the country has traditionally struggled to make a mark at the global level.
His success highlights improved training standards, increased exposure to international competition and a new generation of athletes capable of competing with the world’s best.
The double medal haul also contributes significantly to India’s overall tally at the Commonwealth Games 2026, where the country has delivered strong performances across multiple disciplines.
Conclusion
Gulveer Singh’s record-breaking performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026 stands as a landmark moment for Indian athletics. By securing medals in both the 5000m and 10,000m events, he has set a new benchmark for future athletes.
As India continues to expand its presence in global sports, achievements like Gulveer’s underline the country’s growing strength and ambition in track and field events.