Indian long-distance runner Gulveer Singh credited coach Scott Simmons for helping him secure a historic silver medal in the men's 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow.

After the race, Gulveer revealed that his coach's instructions were straightforward: stay with the leading pack, avoid unnecessary surges and save everything for the final 400 metres.

Trusting that plan, the Indian athlete produced a powerful finishing sprint to claim the silver medal.

A Perfectly Executed Race Plan

Gulveer completed the race in 27:49.8, finishing just behind Australia's Ky Robinson, who secured gold in 27:48.93.

David Mullarkey took the bronze medal.

Throughout the race, Gulveer remained patient despite repeated changes in pace. Rather than responding to every attack from the front-runners, he stayed within striking distance before accelerating over the final 400 metres.

The tactical discipline ultimately proved decisive in securing India's historic medal.

Historic Achievement for Indian Athletics

The silver medal marked a major milestone for Indian athletics.

Gulveer became:

• The first Indian man to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the men's 10,000m.
• Only the second Indian overall to win a medal in the event, following Kavita Raut, who won bronze in the women's 10,000m at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.

The performance also highlighted India's growing strength in long-distance running on the international stage.

Patience Pays Off

The race unfolded exactly as Simmons had envisioned.

After staying with the lead group during the early stages, Gulveer briefly slipped down the field as the pace fluctuated. Instead of abandoning the strategy, he remained composed and gradually worked his way back into medal contention.

With one kilometre remaining, he moved into third place before overtaking Mullarkey in the closing stages to secure silver, finishing less than a second behind Robinson.

Training in the United States

Since relocating to the United States to train under Scott Simmons in Colorado, Gulveer has steadily established himself as one of India's top distance runners.

Over the past two seasons, he has:

• Set multiple national records.
• Delivered consistent performances on the international circuit.
• Emerged as one of India's strongest medal contenders in endurance events.

His Commonwealth Games success is another significant milestone in that progression.

Medal Dedicated to India and Family

Following the race, Gulveer expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the Government of India, the Sports Ministry and his family.

He said winning a medal for the country had been his primary objective and dedicated the achievement to his parents, brother and the nation.

The silver also strengthened India's athletics campaign in Glasgow, joining the silver medal won by Sarvesh Kushare in the men's high jump.

Why This Matters

Gulveer Singh's performance marks a significant breakthrough for Indian distance running at the Commonwealth Games. His medal demonstrates the impact of structured coaching, disciplined race tactics and long-term athlete development. The achievement also reflects India's expanding competitiveness in endurance events, traditionally dominated by athletes from other nations, and could inspire a new generation of long-distance runners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Gulveer Singh's silver medal historic?

He became the first Indian man to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the men's 10,000m.

Who coached Gulveer Singh?

Gulveer trains under American coach Scott Simmons in Colorado, United States.

What race strategy did Gulveer follow?

He stayed with the leading group throughout the race and saved his strongest sprint for the final 400 metres.

Who won the gold medal?

Australia's Ky Robinson won gold, while David Mullarkey of the Isle of Man secured bronze.

Where did Gulveer Singh train for the Commonwealth Games?

He has been training in Colorado, USA, under coach Scott Simmons.