On August 12, 2025, India’s premier middle and long-distance runner Gulveer Singh astounded the athletics world by breaking his own national record in the men’s 3000m race at the prestigious Gyulai Istvan Memorial Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix in Budapest.
Clocking an electrifying time of 7 minutes 34.49 seconds, Gulveer’s performance marked a remarkable improvement over his previous national record of 7:38.26, set earlier this year in February at the Boston University David Hemery Valentine Invitational meet in the United States.
This incredible feat not only reaffirmed his dominance in Indian athletics but also positioned Gulveer among the fastest Asian athletes ever in the 3000m event, ranking fifth on the continental all-time list. Despite finishing fifth in a highly competitive field featuring world-class runners from Kenya, Mexico, Uganda, and Uruguay, Gulveer’s time was a testament to his relentless dedication and rising international stature.
A Journey of Records and Consistency
Gulveer’s 3000m run took place at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, during a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold level meet, known for its high-caliber athletic performances. Kenya’s Mathew Kipsang clinched the race with a time of 7:33.23, closely followed by Mexico’s Eduardo Herrera and Uganda’s Oscar Chelimo, both renowned athletes.
Nearing their finishes by slim margins, Gulveer kept pace with some of the best in the world, underscoring his rapid progress in a discipline he only recently began competing in at the European level. Beyond the 3000m, Gulveer is the current holder of the Indian national records in the 5000m (12:59.77) and 10,000m (27:00.22), further highlighting his range and supremacy in long-distance track events.
Gulveer Singh’s rise in athletics is rooted in consistent growth and exceptional achievements over recent years. In 2024, he set national records in both the 5000m and 10,000m events while winning bronze medals at the Asian Games and Asian Athletics Championships, showcasing his ability to perform on the continental stage. His 10,000m record of 27:00.22 was set earlier this year at The Ten 2025 meet in the U.S., narrowly missing the World Athletics Championships qualifying time by a fraction of a second.
Supported by the Reliance Foundation, Gulveer’s journey reflects the increasing prominence of Indian athletes in global long-distance running. The Gyulai Istvan Memorial meet itself has been a stage for historic performances, including a world record in the pole vault by Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis during this edition, emphasizing the level of competition Gulveer has matched. His qualification for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September 2025 further cements his status as a serious contender on the world stage.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Gulveer Singh’s extraordinary achievements symbolize the power of perseverance, national pride, and the spirit of sport to transcend borders and inspire collective optimism. As an athlete breaking records and setting new benchmarks, Gulveer exemplifies the virtues of discipline, dedication, and resilience that sports foster.
Beyond personal glory, his success highlights the importance of sustained investment in sports infrastructure and grassroots development across India-a critical factor in unlocking the full potential of sporting talent. It urges society to embrace and support athletes not only as competitors but as ambassadors of peace, harmony, and progress.
