Indian distance runner Gulveer Singh revealed that a single instruction from his coach Scott Simmons proved decisive in helping him become the first Indian man to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games 10,000m event.
Trusting the race plan completely, Gulveer produced a perfectly timed finishing burst to win a historic silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Gulveer Singh Wins Historic Silver in Glasgow
Competing at Scotstoun Stadium, Gulveer clocked 27:49.8 to finish second behind Australia’s Ky Robinson (27:48.93). David Mullarkey of the Isle of Man secured the bronze medal.
The silver medal was not just a personal milestone—it marked India’s first-ever medal in the men’s 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games.
The One Instruction That Changed Everything
Speaking after the race, Gulveer said his coach had given him a remarkably simple plan.
The instruction was clear:
-
Stay behind the leaders
-
Follow the race pace
-
Avoid unnecessary surges
-
Save maximum energy for the final 400 metres
According to Gulveer, his coach believed the medal would be decided by speed in the closing stages, and that exact prediction proved correct.
A Race Built on Patience and Discipline
The final featured a strong field that included several African runners and world-class competitors. Rather than reacting to every acceleration, Gulveer focused on executing the pre-race strategy.
His race unfolded in distinct phases:
-
He settled comfortably in the leading group during the opening laps.
-
Around the 5,600m mark, he slipped to ninth position as the pace began to fluctuate.
-
Instead of abandoning the plan, he gradually worked his way back into contention.
-
With 1,000m remaining, he moved into medal position.
-
In the final 200m, he launched his strongest surge and overtook David Mullarkey to secure silver.
The margin was incredibly close, with Gulveer finishing less than a second behind Ky Robinson.
India’s First Men’s 10,000m Medal at the CWG
Gulveer’s silver created a major milestone for Indian athletics.
He became:
-
The first Indian man to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the 10,000m
-
Only the second Indian overall to medal in the event, after Kavita Raut, who won bronze in the women’s race at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games
The achievement also carried broader significance, as it was the first Commonwealth Games edition since 1986 in which no African athlete finished among the top three in the men’s 10,000m.
Training Under Scott Simmons in the United States
Gulveer has spent the past few seasons training in Colorado, USA, under Scott Simmons. The partnership has transformed him into India’s leading distance runner.
In recent years, he has:
-
Broken multiple national records
-
Improved his international competitiveness
-
Delivered consistent performances on the global stage
The Glasgow silver is widely being seen as the biggest achievement of his career so far.
Medal Dedicated to Family and the Nation
Despite the historic result, Gulveer said his first thoughts after crossing the finish line were about fulfilling his responsibility towards India.
He credited the support provided by the government, the Sports Ministry, and his family, especially his mother, for helping him reach this stage.
The 26-year-old said the medal belonged not only to his family but also to the entire country, emphasizing that athletes ultimately compete for India.
India’s Athletics Campaign in Glasgow
Gulveer’s silver became India’s second athletics silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, following Sarvesh Kushare’s runner-up finish in the men’s high jump.
Meanwhile, women’s national record holder Pooja exited the high jump competition after clearing 1.77m but failing to clear 1.82m in three attempts.
Key Highlights
-
Gulveer Singh won India’s first-ever men’s 10,000m medal at the Commonwealth Games.
-
Coach Scott Simmons instructed him to stay with the leaders and save his final burst for the last lap.
-
Gulveer clocked 27:49.8 to win silver in Glasgow.
-
He overtook David Mullarkey in the final 200 metres.
-
The result made him only the second Indian overall to medal in the Commonwealth Games 10,000m.
-
The race was also notable because no African athlete finished in the top three for the first time since 1986.
FAQs
1. What medal did Gulveer Singh win at the 2026 Commonwealth Games?
Gulveer Singh won the silver medal in the men’s 10,000m event.
2. Why is Gulveer Singh’s medal historic?
He became the first Indian man ever to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the 10,000m.
3. What instruction did coach Scott Simmons give Gulveer?
He told Gulveer to stay behind the leaders, follow the pace, and unleash his strongest sprint in the final 400 metres.
4. What was Gulveer Singh’s finishing time?
He finished in 27:49.8.
5. Who won the gold medal?
Australia’s Ky Robinson won gold with a time of 27:48.93.
6. Who won the bronze medal?
David Mullarkey of the Isle of Man finished third.
7. Where was the race held?
The event was held at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow.
8. Who was the previous Indian medallist in the Commonwealth Games 10,000m?
Kavita Raut won bronze in the women’s 10,000m at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.
9. Where does Gulveer Singh train?
He trains in Colorado, United States, under coach Scott Simmons.
10. How many athletics silver medals has India won in Glasgow so far?
India has won two athletics silver medals so far—through Gulveer Singh and Sarvesh Kushare.
