Gulveer Singh made history by becoming the first Indian to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the men’s 10,000m event, securing a silver medal at the Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow. The national record holder’s medal was India’s second silver in athletics at the Games, following Sarvesh Kushare’s podium finish in the men’s high jump event.
Gulveer clocked 27:49.78 seconds to claim silver, finishing behind Australia’s Ky Robinson, who won gold with a timing of 27:48.93 seconds. The Indian athlete produced a remarkably assured performance on a rain-soaked track, staying with the leading pack throughout before unleashing a brilliant finish in the final few laps.
Despite the challenging conditions, Gulveer remained focused, saying, “It always feels good to win a medal. The race was good, there was rain but when you win a medal it hardly matters if there is rain, sunshine, heat or anything else.” The reigning Asian champion also credited his faith, stating, “I had left everything on God. Before the race I told almighty, dekh lena (please watch over me).”
Gulveer’s family was unaware of his historic feat, as he had not informed them about the race. He plans to share the news with them the next day, saying, “My family must be sleeping. I don’t tell them on race days, I will tell them tomorrow. I don’t disturb them, they can watch later.”
Gulveer’s silver medal marked a significant achievement, as it was the first time since the 1986 Commonwealth Games that no African athlete finished on the podium in the men’s 10,000m. The feat was reminiscent of Avinash Sable’s historic silver medal in the 3000m steeplechase at the 2022 Birmingham Games, where he had ended Kenya’s dominance.
In contrast, there was disappointment for Pooja Singh, who bowed out of the women’s high jump event after failing to clear 1.82m. The 19-year-old Asian champion was making her CWG debut and was disrupted by heavy rain before play resumed.
