Gulveer Singh made history by winning India’s first gold medal at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships 2025 in Gumi, South Korea, on May 27. The 26-year-old long-distance runner clocked 28:38.63 to win the men’s 10,000m race, overtaking Bahrain’s Albert Kibichi Rop and Japan’s Mebuki Suzuki in the final lap.
This victory marks India’s first gold at the championships and makes Singh only the third Indian to win the men’s 10,000m gold at the Asian level.
Officials, including the Sports Authority of India, praised his performance, highlighting it as a strong start for India’s campaign. Alongside Singh’s triumph, Servin Sebastian also secured a bronze in the men’s 20km race walk, boosting India’s medal tally.
Gulveer Singh’s Golden Run: A Blend of Talent and Tactical Brilliance
Singh’s win was a result of both exceptional endurance and smart race strategy. He remained in the lead pack for most of the race, closely shadowing Bahrain’s Albert Kibichi Rop and Japan’s Mebuki Suzuki. In the final lap, Singh unleashed a decisive sprint, finishing in 28:38.63, ahead of Suzuki (28:43.84) and Rop (28:46.82).
This victory not only earned India its first gold at the championships but also placed Singh alongside Indian legends Hari Chand (1975) and G Lakshmanan (2017), who previously won gold in this event.
The Sports Authority of India hailed his achievement on social media, calling it “just the beginning” of India’s journey to greater athletic success. Fellow Indian Sawan Barwal finished fourth, narrowly missing a podium finish.
From Humble Beginnings to National Record Holder: Gulveer Singh’s Journey
Born on June 1, 1998, in Sirsa village of Atrauli Tehsil in Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh, Gulveer Singh comes from a farming family and a community with a strong army tradition. Inspired by the many from his village who joined the Indian Army, Singh began running on village footpaths, balancing farming duties with his passion for athletics. At 17, he joined the Indian Army through the sports quota, becoming part of the Grenadiers Regiment.
Under the guidance of coach Ajith Markose and with training stints at the Sports Authority of India’s Southern Centre in Bangalore and a high-altitude camp in Colorado Springs, USA, Singh steadily improved. He holds Indian national records in the 3000m, 5000m (12:59.77 at Boston 2025), and 10,000m (27:00.22 at California 2025).
His career highlights include bronze medals in the 10,000m at both the 2022 Asian Games and the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships. Singh’s rise from a rural background to continental champion exemplifies dedication and the impact of structured support systems.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Gulveer Singh’s gold medal is a shining example of how perseverance, talent, and opportunity combine to create sporting excellence. His journey from humble beginnings to Asian champion not only inspires athletes across India but also highlights the importance of nurturing talent through consistent support and infrastructure.
At The Logical Indian, we see this victory as a call to foster empathy, unity, and encouragement for all athletes, ensuring their stories become beacons of hope and catalysts for positive social change.
As India’s sporting community continues to grow stronger, how can we collectively create an environment that empowers every aspiring athlete to realise their dreams and bring glory to the nation?
