The army’s 28 years old versatile distance runner was a comfortable winner in the men’s 5,000m. His winning time was 13:52.92 seconds.
Asian Games bronze medallist, Gulveer Singh, sprinted home to victory in the men’s 5,000m on the opening day of the 65th National Inter State Athletics Championships here at Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium on Wednesday. The army’s 28 years old star distance runner representing Uttar Pradesh in the domestic competition, blistering last lap earned him top position. His winning time was 13:52.92 seconds.
Abhishek Pal edged past Harmanjot Singh to take second spot with a time of 1:54.18. Harmanjot Singh settled for third place with a time of 13:54.60 seconds.
The 28 years old versatile distance runner stayed with the leading pack till the last lap. He surged ahead at the bell and wasn’t challenged till the tape. “I could have run faster but there was no one to push me,” says the Asian Games medallist.
Last month Gulveer Singh on the USA circuit improved his outdoor national record to 13:03.93 seconds. His National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships record of 13:34.67 was set in 2024 in Panchkula. The army runner also holds national records over a wide range of events, including 21km.
The Japan Asian Games qualification criteria set by AFI (Athletics Federation of India) in men’s 5,000m is 13:39.18 seconds.
The ongoing major track and field meet is the last domestic competition for aspiring athletes to achieve Japan Asian Games qualification standards in their respective events.
