Punjab Newsline | Sports

Buoyed by his strong performance at the Commonwealth Games, India’s premier long-distance runner Gulveer Singh is now targeting medals at the upcoming Asian Games. Gulveer said that once he reaches the starting line, his focus is not on the identity of his rivals but on winning a medal for India. He is set to compete in the 1,500m, 5,000m and 10,000m events at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

Gulveer acknowledged that the Asian Games will feature high-calibre athletes and that the competition will be intense. However, he said the medals he won at the Commonwealth Games have given him significant confidence. He also credited continued government support as a major driving force behind his preparation. Gulveer trains in Colorado Springs, USA, under American coach Scott Simmons.

The 28-year-old is the national record holder in the 5,000m and 10,000m events. He won bronze in the 10,000m at the 2023 Asian Games and had earlier claimed bronze in the 5,000m at the Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok.

At the Commonwealth Games, Gulveer won silver in the men’s 10,000m with a timing of 27:49.78 and followed it with bronze in the 5,000m in 13:24.95. The performances marked a historic achievement for India at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and further strengthened his confidence ahead of the Asian Games.

Gulveer said that once athletes stand on the starting line, it does not matter who is competing alongside them. According to him, every athlete arrives fully prepared, and on race day, the result ultimately depends on whose body performs better. He expressed confidence that he would return from the Asian Games with medals for India.

He said competing regularly at the international level has also changed his perception of foreign runners. Earlier, Indian athletes often considered overseas runners to be far ahead, but competing alongside them showed that Indian athletes can compete at the same level.

Training in the US has also helped Gulveer improve his preparation. He said he gets the opportunity to train alongside elite distance runners, creating a competitive environment where athletes push and support each other.

With the Asian Games approaching, his training has now shifted from endurance to speed. Gulveer said that after the Commonwealth Games, the focus was primarily on endurance, while the current phase is centred on speed building under the training plan prepared by his coach.

Gulveer also credited his association with ASICS, which began in January, for supporting his recent progress. He said running in the brand’s shoes helped him achieve the historic sub-60-minute half-marathon mark and that the partnership has been an important part of his journey.