Gumi, South Korea – Gulveer Singh delivered a masterclass in long-distance racing to secure India’s first gold medal at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships, triumphing in the Men’s 10,000m final with a timing of 28:38.64.
From finishing fifth in the 2023 edition to standing atop the podium in 2025, Gulveer’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. The 25-year-old, already India’s national record holder with a staggering 27:00.22, showed why he’s considered the country’s premier long-distance runner with a tactically brilliant performance in Gumi.
The final was a closely contested affair for much of the race. Bahrain’s Albert Kibichi Rop, a seasoned campaigner, set a brisk early pace and led the pack for the majority of the 25-lap contest. Japan’s Mebuki Suzuki shadowed closely, while Gulveer maintained a controlled rhythm in the chasing group.
As the bell rang for the final lap, it was still Rop in front. But Gulveer had timed his move to perfection. Unleashing a searing kick over the last 400 meters, he surged past the leaders and never looked back. Roared on by Indian supporters in the stadium, he crossed the finish line five seconds ahead of Suzuki, who clocked 28:43.84 for silver. Rop, after doing the hard work early on, had to settle for bronze in 28:46.82.
India’s Long-Distance King Delivers Again
This gold makes Gulveer just the third Indian man ever to win the 10,000m title at the Asian Athletics Championships — a testament to both his consistency and growth. With this win, he also secures crucial ranking points that could prove decisive in his bid to qualify for the World Championships later this year.
A dominant figure in Indian athletics this season, Gulveer has already posted eye-catching times and consistent performances on both domestic and international circuits. Today’s victory only cements his status as India’s top endurance athlete.
A Gold That Carries Weight
This win is not just symbolic — it’s strategic. With qualification windows tightening and global standards rising, becoming the Area Champion (continental winner) gives Gulveer a major advantage in securing a World Championships berth. It also boosts India’s standing in the medal tally and morale in the athletics camp.
India has had a promising start to the 2025 Asian Championships, and Gulveer’s gold is the country’s second medal overall at the event. The performance sets the tone for the rest of the Indian contingent and puts pressure on the other favorites to step up.
What’s Next for Gulveer?
With qualification points in hand and a continental title under his belt, all eyes will now turn to how Gulveer plans his build-up toward the global stage. If today’s display was anything to go by, India could be witnessing the emergence of a truly elite distance runner capable of challenging some of the world’s best.
As Gulveer stood on the top step of the podium in Gumi, draped in the Indian tricolor, it wasn’t just a celebration of one race — it was the culmination of years of quiet toil, discipline, and belief. And perhaps, a glimpse of what’s still to come.
Take a bow, Gulveer Singh — Asian Champion, national record holder, and India’s long-distance leader.
Men’s 10,000m Final – Results
- 🥇 Gulveer Singh (India) – 28:38.64
- 🥈 Mebuki Suzuki (Japan) – 28:43.84
- 🥉 Albert Kibichi Rop (Bahrain) – 28:46.82
#AsianAthleticsChampionships2025 | #IndianAthletics | #GulveerSingh | #10KChampion | #RoadToWorlds
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