Even though Gulveer Singh clocked 13:52.92, well outside the Asian Games qualifying mark of 13:39.18, to win the men’s 5,000m at the National inter-State athletics meet at the Kalinga Stadium here on Wednesday, he may still stand a chance of being picked for the 5,000m and 10,000m races.

Since the Athletics Federation of India selection committee will take the final decision, Gulveer has a good chance to get picked on the basis of his consistent performances.

The 28-year-old Gulveer, the 10,000m bronze medallist in the last Asiad and the 5,000m and 10,000m gold medallist in the Asian championships, had issues in acclimatising after landing here from a six-month training stint in the USA.

“I used to wake up at 2 o’clock in the night. I have gotten used to it (the time zone), about 50 per cent now,” said Gulveer after finishing his first race in India this season.

“I am not satisfied with the time. It’s hot. The track is new, it’s not gripping well and is bouncy.”

Gulveer, the National record holder in 5,000m and 10,000m, wants to retain his focus on his training, despite the pressure of expectations, and follow his coach Scott Simmons’ advice. 

“I have to take pressure. We are doing our best. God knows what will happen in the future. I am focusing on my training. We are not thinking too much,” said Gulveer, who is eyeing a good time in the 1,500m in an attempt to make his finishes faster. He is focusing on his speed work after a disappointing outing in the Tokyo World Championships.

While planning to compete in two major events, the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, this season, Gulveer relies on Simmons. “I communicate with my coach after the events. He will decide how to go about it,” said Gulveer.

Even as he targets to win medals in the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games in 2026, Asian champion in 5000m and 10000m Gulveer Singh finds it hard to get over his mentor and former training partner Kartik Kumar’s suspension due to doping.

Asian Games 10000m silver medallist Kartik, who trained with Gulveer and others in Colorado Springs under coach Scott Simmons, accepted a three-year suspension after testing positive for a banned substance earlier this year.

Still, Gulveer is in a state of disbelief. “I don’t worry much about my family problems, but I am so sad about this episode. Only I know how sad I am. To me, Kartik is a father figure — like someone who holds his son’s hand and teaches him how to walk. Wherever I am today, it’s because of him. Maybe something happened to him. Such a top athlete cannot commit such a mistake on his own,” Gulveer told The Hindu.

On his below par showing in the Tokyo World championships, Gulveer, who recorded his personal and season bests and National records of 12:59.77 and 27:00.22 in 5000m and 10000m respectively earlier this year, said it was a learning experience for him. 

“Results depend on how the body responds. When people race for a medal, the pace can go up and down. It was a different experience to train and compete alongside world class runners. Got to learn a lot, where to pace up and where to pace down.”

As he approaches an important 2026 calendar, Gulveer aims at medalling in big events including the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

“I have to focus on three things – training, diet and recovery. I don’t think about other aspects, including the tactics. The coach takes care of all those. In races, where there are no medals, one can go for better timing.”

Gulveer wants to continue his hard work as he is all set to begin the new year by competing at the World cross country championships in the USA in January.