Mumbai, July 29: IIS athlete Gulveer Singh scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win a medal in the men’s 10,000m event at the Commonwealth Games. The long-distance runner clinched the silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, marking a landmark achievement for Indian athletics and adding another milestone to his growing list of international accomplishments.
The historic silver marks the first time an Indian has finished on the podium in the men’s 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games. Gulveer‘s achievement further cements his position among India’s leading distance runners and reflects the steady rise of Indian athletics on the international stage.
Ahead of the Commonwealth Games, Gulveer spoke about the mindset that has guided his journey in an IIS video. “I only focus on giving my best. I don’t keep track of my national records,” he said, highlighting his approach of focusing on continuous improvement rather than dwelling on milestones.
Reflecting on his journey into athletics, Gulveer shared, “I started running after joining the Army. Before that, I used to run to get enrolled in the Army.” He also revealed that he had little exposure to elite athletics while growing up. “I didn’t know anything about the Commonwealth Games or Asian Games. I only came to know about them after joining the Army,” he said.
Speaking about the sacrifices behind his success, Gulveer offered a glimpse into the personal side of an athlete’s life. “Sometimes when I talk to my mother, I feel like crying because I miss my mother and father,” he shared, highlighting the challenges of spending long periods away from family while pursuing excellence.
Gulveer‘s historic achievement is another proud moment for IIS, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to supporting athletes as they compete and excel on the global stage. His journey, from discovering competitive athletics only after joining the Army to creating history for India at the Commonwealth Games, stands as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.
Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS):
Inspire Institute of Sport is one of India’s premier high-performance facilities dedicated to nurturing sporting talent across multiple disciplines. With a commitment to excellence, IIS provides athletes with world-class training, cutting-edge facilities, and mentorship from top coaches and experts, empowering them to achieve their full potential on the global stage.