CWG 2026: How Gulveer Singh scripted history in 10,000m

While much of the spotlight was on India assuring itself of medals in the boxing ring at the Commonwealth Games here in Glasgow, a few kilometres away at the Scotstoun Stadium, a middle-distance runner from India was quietly scripting history.

In challenging track conditions with heavy rain and sun making frequent appearances, Gulveer Singh won the silver medal in the men’s 10,000m at the Glasgow Games on Tuesday to become the first Indian man to win a medal in the event in the Games history in a time of 27:49.78. Ky Robinson of Australia won the gold in a time of 27:48.93 while David Mullarkey of Isle of Man bagged bronze in 27:50.28s.

Actually, Gulveer was one of the favourites to bag a medal given the season’s and personal best of those competing in the field. Before the race, he was in the top three in season’s best and his personal best of 27:00.22 (a National record) was at the top in the field.

Gulveer ran a tactical race, being among the leaders till the last before accelerating.

He stayed in the sixth position at the 8000m mark with five more laps to go.

In the last 900m mark or so, Gulveer broke out of the pack.

Gulveer, who has improved since he started out with Scott Simmons as coach in the USA three years ago, was at his best as he was in a strong field including Daniel Ebenyo, the 2023 World championships silver medallist.

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As rains lashed the Stadium, Gulveer maintained his composure from the start. He remained among the leading racers in the opening 5000m metres, staying with the Kenyan runners, Kurgat, Kipkurgi and Ebenyo patiently waiting for his moment before breaking away from the pack. Ebenyo ended up sixth while the other Kenyans, Kurgat and Kipkurgi, finished fourth and 10th respectively.

Wrapping himself in Indian tricolour, Gulveer was gasping for breath when he came to the mixed zone. “It was not easy to run in the conditions. I take this opportunity to thank my family, coaches and the Athletics Federation of India for their support, “ he said.