Indian athletes had a busy and promising weekend across Europe, with several athletes delivering notable performances at World Athletics Continental Tour meets in Belgium, Finland, Italy, and the United States.
From Gulveer Singh’s historic run in California to solid showings in Finland and fresh starts in Italy, the week showcased the breadth of talent and growing depth in India’s middle- and long-distance running as well as sprints and jumps.
Gulveer Singh Enters All-Time Indian Top-3 in 1500m
At the Sunset Tour in California a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meet Gulveer Singh ran his first serious 1500m race at the international level. Better known for his national records over 3000m, 5000m, and 10,000m, Gulveer clocked a superb 3:36.58 to finish fourth in the men’s 1500m B race.
The time places him third on the all-time Indian list in the men’s 1500m, a remarkable achievement considering it was his debut outing in this distance on the global stage. The run underlines not only Gulveer’s endurance but also his developing speed base an encouraging sign ahead of the main championship season. While the race didn’t fetch a podium, the performance adds another dimension to the NR holder’s growing reputation as one of India’s most versatile distance runners.
He then participated in 5000M after 60 min of 1500M at Sound Running Track Fest, Los Angeles USA 🇺🇸 and secured 5th place with performance of 13:18.34s.
Personal Bests for Sawan Barwal and Kiran Matre in Finland
Meanwhile, in Finland at the Motonet GP Joensuu, a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze meet, two more Indian athletes produced personal bests in the men’s 3000m. Sawan Barwal clocked an impressive 7:55.26 to secure second place, a time that could place him among the top three Indian performers over this distance historically.
Kiran Matre finished sixth in the same race, posting a PB of 8:06.96. Both athletes showed good early-season form, demonstrating the progress being made in India’s middle-distance group. These results also highlight the benefits of increased exposure to high-quality European competitions, where Indian athletes can challenge themselves against deeper fields and faster paces.
Gurindervir Singh and Moumita Mondal Feature in Belgium
Elsewhere, at the 28th Moore Guldensporenmeeting in Belgium, sprinter Gurindervir Singh ran the men’s 100m, clocking 10.57 seconds. Although the time won’t turn heads on the continental circuit, consistent racing at this level is crucial for athletes looking to drop times over the season.
In the women’s 100m hurdles, Moumita Mondal registered a wind-aided 13.26 seconds (+2.4 m/s). The wind reading above the allowable limit means the time won’t count as an official personal best, but it nevertheless points to good form ahead of her final later in the evening. Competing in Europe against seasoned hurdlers is expected to help Moumita refine her rhythm and technique under pressure.
Ancy Sojan Aims for Redemption in Italy
Long jumper Ancy Sojan is set to compete at the Meeting Sport e Solidarietà Lignano in Italy, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze series. Ancy began her 2025 European campaign with a modest 6.21m in Spain a performance well below her personal best and expectations.
The meet in Lignano represents her second chance this season to produce a jump closer to her best and gain confidence ahead of tougher meets later in the calendar. Ancy’s best mark of 6.63m, set in 2023, remains the benchmark, and Indian athletics followers will hope she can find her rhythm in Italy.
Broader Signs of Growth
Across the results, what stands out is not just individual performances but the wider trend: more Indian athletes now competing internationally across distances and disciplines, testing themselves in deeper fields, and steadily pushing national standards forward.
Gulveer Singh’s transition into the 1500m highlights the versatility and depth emerging in Indian distance running. Meanwhile, personal bests from athletes like Sawan Barwal and Kiran Matre show that the development system is beginning to produce a second line of athletes capable of competing at higher levels. Sprinters and hurdlers, by racing consistently in European meets, are bridging the gap between domestic and international standards.
As the European season continues, Indian athletes will aim not just for fast times and podium finishes but for crucial learning experiences, rhythm, and tactical sharpness all essential ahead of next year’s Asian Championships and this year World Championships cycle.
The signs this weekend were encouraging. With Gulveer’s historic run and multiple PBs, Indian athletics continues to build quietly but steadily, one race and one meet at a time. Best wishes to all the athletes as they carry forward the momentum into the coming weeks.
#IndianAthletics #WorldAthleticsContinentalTour #TrackAndField
