Buoyed by his recent Commonwealth Games success, India’s premier long-distance runner Gulveer Singh has set his sights firmly on a medal haul at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, revealing that once he stands at the starting line, his sole focus remains on winning a medal rather than worrying about the competitors. Gulveer, who became the first Indian runner to clock a sub-60-minute half marathon earlier this year, admitted that while the level of competition at the continental bash will be tough, his mindset at the starting line remains strictly focused on podium success.
Buoyed by his recent Commonwealth Games success, India’s premier long-distance runner Gulveer Singh has set his sights firmly on a medal haul at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.
It doesn’t matter who is standing next to you. Everyone works equally hard, and on race day, it all boils down to whose body holds up better. All the competitors will come fully prepared, but I am confident I will bring home medals for India. But after competing alongside them on the big stage, we realised we are right at their level. My coach, Scott Simmons, designs our training sessions specifically by analysing the game plans of international runners,” Gulveer explained. “After the Commonwealth Games, we primarily focused on endurance training. Now, with very little time left for the Asian Games, the focus has moved to speed building. “I associated with Asics in January this year.
Because high-calibre athletes compete at the Asian Games, “There will definitely be pressure. But the medals at the Commonwealth Games gave me a lot of confidence, and the continuous support from the government has been a massive driving force,” Gulveer, who relocated his training base in Colorado Springs, USA, in 2024, under American coach Scott Simmons, told IANS. Running in their shoes helped me achieve the sub-60 half-marathon mark, and their support has been vital in this journey,” Gulveer said.
Sharing about the learnings from competing in the international events and facing athletes from across the world, Gulveer said, “When you stand on the starting line, there is only one thought in your mind; to win a medal for the country. Detailing his schedule leading up to the multi-sport event, the Indian Army distance runner said the coaching staff has pivoted to short speed sessions. I am strictly adhering to the regimen set by my coach,” he said.
“Earlier, we used to think that foreign runners were far superior to us.
