At just 26 years old, Gulveer Singh, a Naib Subedar in the Indian Army, has stormed into the spotlight with an extraordinary double gold win at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships held recently in Gumi, South Korea. The long-distance runner clinched top honours in both the 10,000m and 5,000m races, and in doing so, shattered a decade-old meet record in the 5,000m with a blazing time of 13:24.77, setting a new Championship Record.
From Army Recruit to Asia’s Long-Distance Sensation
Born in the humble village of Sirsa in Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh district, Gulveer’s early dream was simple yet profound—to serve his nation by joining the Army. That dream became a reality in 2018 when he was recruited into the Indian Army. However, it was within the Army’s fold that his hidden talent for long-distance running was discovered.
His journey truly transformed in 2021 when coach Yunus Khan from the Army Sports Institute spotted his potential. Gulveer recalls, “Mera sapna Army mein jaane ka tha. Par fir main running karne laga, Yunus sir ke under. Unhone mujhe bahut kuch sikhaya aur bataya aur aaj bhi woh mere saath khade hain. My coach is a big part of my career and life.”
Grit, Sacrifice, and Single-Minded Dedication
Gulveer’s success is the product of years of relentless hard work and sacrifice. “Maine apne talent ke oopar poori shiddat ke saath kaam kiya hai aur kabhi aasan rasta nahi dhoonda,” he shares candidly. He credits his focus on the track and willingness to give up other comforts for building the confidence to win multiple medals for India.
Currently holding national records in both the 5,000m and 10,000m, Gulveer’s victories symbolize more than just medals—they represent his unwavering dedication to his sport and country.
The Quest for Recognition
Despite his shining achievements, Gulveer remains humble and honest about the recognition he feels he still deserves. “Par abhi bhi main woh izzat aur samman dhoondh raha hun... Har athlete chahta hai ki uski mehnat aur achievements desh ke naam ho aur uska desh uska har kadam pe poora saath de. I hope these medals finally get me the recognition I deserve!”
This sentiment echoes a reality faced by many talented athletes—where outstanding performance sometimes doesn’t immediately translate into public or institutional acknowledgment.
Eyes Set on Bigger Dreams
Gulveer’s journey is far from over. With the Asian Athletics Championships behind him, he is now aiming higher. “Mera sapna hai iss saal World Championships mein bhi medal jeetna. After that, I want to perform well at both the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games next year. And of course, LA 2028 is the ultimate dream,” he states, showcasing his ambition to take Indian athletics to the global stage.
His commitment to representing India extends beyond the track—Gulveer views his sporting journey as another form of serving the country, alongside his Army duties.
A New Hero on India’s Athletic Horizon
Gulveer Singh’s rise is a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation, especially those from modest backgrounds. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and patriotism.
As India celebrates his recent gold medals, it’s clear that Gulveer is not just winning races—he is winning hearts and paving the way for a new era of Indian athletics on the world stage.
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