New Delhi, September 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Buoyed by his recent Commonwealth Games success, India’s premier long-distance runner Gulveer Singh is targeting a medal haul at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, saying his focus at the starting line is solely on winning for the country rather than worrying about his rivals.
Gulveer, who became the first Indian runner to clock a sub-60-minute half marathon earlier this year, acknowledged that the competition at the continental event will be intense. However, he said his performances at the Commonwealth Games have given him confidence, while government support has provided a major boost.
“There will definitely be pressure because high-calibre athletes compete at the Asian Games. But the medals at the Commonwealth Games gave me a lot of confidence, and the continuous support from the government has been a massive driving force,” Gulveer, who trains in Colorado Springs, USA, under American coach Scott Simmons, told IANS.
The national record holder in the 5,000m and 10,000m events won bronze in the 10,000m at the 2023 Asian Games, after claiming a bronze in the 5,000m at the Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok earlier that year.
At the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, Gulveer is set to compete in the 1,500m, 5,000m and 10,000m events.
At the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, he won silver in the men’s 10,000m with a time of 27:49.78 and followed it with bronze in the 5,000m in 13:24.95, achieving a historic first for India at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Reflecting on the lessons learnt from competing against leading international athletes, Gulveer said the identity of his rivals becomes irrelevant once the race begins.
“When you stand on the starting line, there is only one thought in your mind; to win a medal for the country. It doesn’t matter who is standing next to you. Everyone works equally hard, and on race day, it all boils down to whose body holds up better. All the competitors will come fully prepared, but I am confident I will bring home medals for India,” he said.
Gulveer, 28, said competing regularly on the international stage has also changed his perception of overseas runners.
“Earlier, we used to think that foreign runners were far superior to us. But after competing alongside them on the big stage, we realised we are right at their level. My coach, Scott Simmons, designs our training sessions specifically by analysing the game plans of international runners,” he said.
With the Asian Games approaching, his training has shifted from endurance to speed work. “After the Commonwealth Games, we primarily focused on endurance training. Now, with very little time left for the Asian Games, the focus has moved to speed building. I am strictly adhering to the regimen set by my coach,” Gulveer said.
He also highlighted the advantage of training in the US, where he has access to a strong group of elite distance runners.
“I have been training in the US with Scott Simmons since 2023. In India, we lack an elite distance training group, forcing you to train in isolation. In the US, there are several top athletes who push and support each other. The government has backed me immensely since 2023, funding my training and taking care of all necessities,” he said.
Gulveer, who signed a sponsorship deal with footwear brand Asics in January, also credited the partnership for supporting his recent breakthrough on the roads.
“I associated with Asics in January this year. Running in their shoes helped me achieve the sub-60 half-marathon mark, and their support has been vital in this journey,” he said.
“Distance running teaches you to respect the process. You put in the work, stay disciplined, focus on the smallest details and keep challenging yourself to go further. That is what makes my association with ASICS special to me. When you spend countless hours putting in the miles, having footwear that supports your movement and keeps you comfortable becomes an important part of that process,” he added.
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