India’s premier long-distance runner Gulveer Singh endured a disappointing start to the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships on Wednesday, despite winning the men’s 5000m event. The reigning Asian champion and national record holder crossed the finish line in 13:52.92, a time that fell well short of the Athletics Federation of India’s (AFI) Asian Games qualifying standard of 13:39.18.
The 26-year-old from Uttar Pradesh secured first place in the race but was unable to reproduce the form that has made him one of India’s standout distance runners. His performance was significantly slower than the outdoor national record of 13:03.93 that he set in Los Angeles last month. Earlier in February 2025, Gulveer had created history by becoming
the first Indian to run the 5000m in under 13 minutes, clocking 12:59.77 and establishing both national and Asian indoor records.
Despite missing the AFI mark at the championships, Gulveer remains a strong contender for selection to the Asian Games squad, having already achieved the qualifying standard during competitions in the United States earlier this season.
Currently based at the high-altitude training centre in Colorado Springs, USA, Gulveer trains under coach Scott Simmons with support from the government’s Mission Olympic Cell. The Inter-State Championships marked his first competitive appearance in India this year after participating in seven meets in the United States.
Runner ‘Not Satisfied’
Reflecting on his run, Gulveer admitted the result was below expectations. “I am not satisfied with the timing, it’s a bit warm. Also, it was a new track, there is less grip and more bounce. I had not done continuous speed workout on this track,” Gulveer Singh said after his event.
He added, “I am doing continuous training in Colorado Springs, USA, and my timing has been good. My coach (Simmons) decides everything — training and competitions. I am preparing for the CWG.”
Gulveer, who has been selected in both the 5000m and 10,000m for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, will also compete in the 1500m on Saturday.
“I am running 1500m for the first time in India. Let’s see what happens,” Singh said before undergoing routine dope testing by NADA officials.
In the race, fellow Uttar Pradesh athlete Abhishek Pal claimed silver with a timing of 13:54.18, while Punjab’s Harmanjot Singh finished third in 13:54.60.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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