'Used to run in fields', Mother Laxmi and wife Babita elated as Gulveer wins 10,000m silver
Gulveer Singh secured a historic silver medal in the men's 10,000m at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, becoming the first Indian to podium in that event. The Army athlete covered the distance in 27:49.78, finishing behind Australia's Ky Robinson following a decisive final-lap sprint, while his mother Laxmi and wife Babita celebrated the achievement.
Gulveer's performance at the 2026 edition of the Games drew attention back to his roots and to the support network around him. Hailing from a village where his progress has been a point of local pride, he ran as a representative of the Army and converted years of training into a landmark result on the international stage. The medal marks a first for India in the Commonwealth men's 10,000m and immediately triggered celebrations at home. Family members and neighbours responded to the news with visible joy and congratulations.
In the final itself, a strong closing lap proved decisive as Ky Robinson moved ahead to take gold and Gulveer held on for the silver in 27:49.78. The race was settled in the closing moments, with the Australian edging past in the sprint to the line and Gulveer completing the podium places. The timing and the manner of the finish underlined the intensity of competition among the leading distance runners at the Games.
Reaction in Gulveer's village was jubilant, reflecting how rare and significant his medal is for the community. Reports described scenes of celebration as neighbours and relatives turned out to mark the breakthrough. His mother and wife were singled out for their pride at the accomplishment, with family members recounting the path that led to this moment.
His mother summed up part of that journey in simple terms, saying, "Used to run in fields". Wife Babita was also elated following the result, sharing in the family's evident happiness at Gulveer's success. Their responses highlighted the personal side of an international sporting milestone.
The silver in the men's 10,000m at the 2026 Commonwealth Games stands as a landmark result for Gulveer Singh and for Indian distance running. Celebrations in his village and the pride expressed by his family underline the personal and communal meaning of the achievement, as the Army runner returns home with a medal that is a national first in the event.
