Gulveer Singh Makes History in the Rain

India has a new long-distance running hero. Gulveer Singh scripted history on Tuesday by becoming the first Indian ever to win a medal in the men's 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games, claiming a historic silver at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Competing in relentless rain for much of the 25-lap race at Scotstoun Stadium, Gulveer delivered a composed and tactically astute performance, finishing in 27:49.78 to secure second place behind Australia's Ky Robinson (27:48.93), with Isle of Man's David Mullarkey taking bronze in 27:50.28.

A Race of Patience and a Blistering Final Kick

The reigning Asian Games bronze medallist adopted a patient approach for most of the race, staying with the leading pack early before dropping as low as ninth place once the pace intensified past the 5,600m mark. He steadily worked his way back into contention, moving into third position at the bell before unleashing a brilliant finishing kick over the final lap to seal the historic silver. Notably, it marked the first time since the 1986 Commonwealth Games that no African athlete finished among the top three in the men's 10,000m.

Continuing a Remarkable Rise

The 28-year-old Naib Subedar in the Indian Army's Grenadiers Regiment, born in Sirsa village of Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh, has been on a remarkable upward trajectory over the past two years. Gulveer holds the national record in the men's 10,000m at 27:00.22, along with national records in the 3000m and 5000m, and broke into the top 10 of the World Athletics rankings in the 10,000m earlier this year. He will also compete in the 5000m at Glasgow 2026. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Prime Minister Narendra Modi both congratulated Gulveer on X, while President Droupadi Murmu also hailed his achievement alongside fellow silver medallist Harjinder Kaur.

A Strong Day Across Multiple Disciplines

Gulveer's medal came amid a string of standout performances from Indian athletes at Glasgow 2026. In para-athletics, Dilip Mahadu Gavit won gold and Mohammed Basil M claimed silver in the men's 100m T47 event. Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, the Birmingham 2022 silver medallist, added another Commonwealth Games podium finish with a silver in the men's long jump. In boxing, India's campaign continued its strong run, with Jaismine Lamboria, Sakshi Choudhary, Arundhati Choudhary, Sachin Siwach, Ankush Panghal and Narender Berwal all advancing to the semi-finals, guaranteeing India further medals in the ring.

India's Growing Medal Tally

With Gulveer's podium finish, India's medal tally at the 2026 Commonwealth Games rose to 12 medals — two gold, seven silver and three bronze. Earlier in the Games, high jumper Sarvesh Kushare had opened India's athletics account with a silver, clearing 2.25m but finishing behind Jamaica's Romaine Beckford on countback. India also fields a smaller squad of 123 athletes across 13 disciplines at this pared-down edition of the Games, following the 61-medal haul at Birmingham 2022.

What's Next for Team India

With several boxing semi-finals and athletics finals still to come, India's medal count is expected to climb further in the coming days. Gulveer Singh's historic 10,000m silver has already cemented his place among the country's greatest-ever distance runners, and all eyes will now turn to his 5000m campaign as he looks to add another chapter to a memorable Glasgow 2026 for Team India.