Gulveer Singh Sets New National Record in 5000m, Clinches Gold in Japan

Aligarh's Gulveer Singh breaks his own national record with a time of 13:11.82 at the World Athletics Continental Tour in Niigata, Japan, continuing his inspiring rise from soldier to champion.

Gulveer Singh, the pride of Aligarh district, has set a new national record in the men's 5000m, clocking 13:11.82s at the World Athletics Continental Tour in Niigata, Japan. The soldier-turned-athlete took home the gold medal, surpassing his own previous national record in the event.

A bronze medalist in the men's 10000m at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Singh's victory marks another milestone in his impressive athletic career. "I am happy that I was able to break the national record, but I know this is just a step. My career has just begun. I still have to work hard, I have to go a long way," said Singh after the race.

Singh's journey to the top is an inspiring story. Growing up in Sirsa, Atrauli district, Uttar Pradesh, Gulveer dreamt of joining the Indian Army like many youth from his village. After years of rigorous training, he fulfilled this dream by joining the 23 Grenadiers Unit in 2018. It was during his posting in Arunachal Pradesh that he first participated in an inter-unit cross country race, sparking his interest in athletics.

Though initially aiming for a promotion to Havildar, Gulveer Singh went on to win over 30 medals at state, national, and international levels. His triumph at the National Games earned him a promotion, and after his Asian Games bronze, he was promoted to Naib Subedar—an achievement typically reached after two decades of service, but one he attained in just six years.