Gulveer Singh Creates Commonwealth Games History, Becomes First Indian to Win 5000m Medal

Gulveer Singh added another historic achievement to his growing career by winning the bronze medal in the men’s 5000m at the 2026 Commonwealth Games on Saturday. In doing so, he became the first Indian athlete to win a medal in the event at the Games.

The Indian distance runner clocked 13:24.95 in a closely fought final to finish third and secure his place in the history books.

The bronze also made Gulveer the first Indian athlete to win medals in both the 5000m and 10,000m at the same Commonwealth Games. Earlier this week, he had claimed silver in the 10,000m, making it a memorable campaign in Glasgow.

A Finish Decided by Fractions

The race went right down to the wire, with Gulveer holding off Kenya’s Cornelius Kemboi in the closing metres. He crossed the finish line just 0.04 seconds ahead of the Kenyan to seal the bronze medal.

Kenya’s Mathew Kipsang won the gold with a time of 13:23.61, while Australia’s Ky Robinson took silver after finishing in 13:24.70.

Another Landmark for Indian Athletics

With two medals from the track, Gulveer has achieved something no Indian athlete had managed before at a single edition of the Commonwealth Games. His performances in the 5000m and 10,000m underline India’s growing presence in long-distance running on the international stage.

His medal also capped another successful day for the Indian contingent. Earlier, India’s boxers finished with their best-ever Commonwealth Games campaign, topping the medal table with seven gold medals and three silver medals.