Historic Distance Medal: Gulveer Singh Becomes First Indian to Win 5000m Medal at Commonwealth Games
GLASGOW — Indian long-distance runner Gulveer Singh cemented his name in athletic folklore at the Scotstoun Stadium, winning a dramatic bronze medal in the men’s 5000m final at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. In doing so, the 28-year-old became the first Indian athlete to win a medal in the 5000m event at the CWG, while also making history as the first Indian track runner to secure two medals in a single edition of the Games.
A Thrilling Final Sprint: Edging Out Kenya by 0.04 Seconds
In a high-intensity 5000m final involving world-class distance specialists, Gulveer displayed flawless tactical patience. Positioning himself tightly within the leading pack through the opening 4000 metres, he conserved energy while weathering tactical pace changes dictated by the East African runners.
As the bell rang for the final 400-metre lap, Gulveer launched a fierce kick on the home stretch. Digging deep in the final 50 metres, he held off Kenya’s formidable sub-13 minute runner Cornelius Kemboi by a razor-thin margin of just **0.04 seconds** to cross the line in 13:24.95. Kenya’s Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang took gold in 13:23.61, while Australia’s Ky Robinson grabbed silver in 13:24.70.
Key Milestones: Gulveer Singh’s Historic CWG 2026 Campaign
- First Ever 5000m CWG Medal: Became the first Indian athlete in history to stand on the podium in the men’s 5000m final at the Commonwealth Games.
- Historic Athletics Double: First Indian track and field athlete to win two medals in the same CWG edition, adding 5000m bronze to his 10,000m silver won on July 28.
- Nerve-Wracking Finish: Out-sprinted Kenya’s Cornelius Kemboi by 4 hundredths of a second (0.04s) to secure third place.
Glasgow 2026 Men’s 5000m Final Official Results
| Rank | Athlete | Nation | Timing | Medal Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang | Kenya (KEN) | 13:23.61 | GOLD |
| 2 | Ky Robinson | Australia (AUS) | 13:24.70 | SILVER |
| 3 | Gulveer Singh | India (IND) | 13:24.95 | BRONZE |
| 4 | Cornelius Kemboi | Kenya (KEN) | 13:24.99 | — |
From Army Jawans to Commonwealth Legend
Hailing from Sirsa village in Uttar Pradesh’s Atrauli district, Gulveer Singh’s journey to the global podium is a story of grit. Originally running on rural dirt roads to clear physical exams for the Indian Army, he caught the national eye during inter-unit Army races.
His relentless rise saw him shatter Indian national records in both the 5000m and 10,000m disciplines, alongside winning double gold at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships. His double medal performance in Glasgow cements his status as India’s premier distance athlete of the modern era.
