BU Invitational: Gulveer Singh Sets New 3000m Indoor Record, Targets World Athletics Qualification

Add as a preferred source on Google

Gulveer Singh, the 26-year-old bronze medalist from the Hangzhou Asian Games, started his season on a high by shattering a decade-old national record in the men's 3000m indoor race. Singh competed at the BU David Hemery Valentine Invitational Indoor Meet or BU Invitational in Boston on Friday night.

There, he clocked an impressive 7:38.26 seconds, finishing second in the event. This remarkable timing surpassed the previous Indian record of 7:49.47 set by Surendar Singh in 2008, who now serves as a coach. Talking to the media, he expressed his joy after the race.

He said, "I'm elated to have clocked a good time in my season's first Indoor race in Boston. Good performance over 3000m (Indoor) has given a big boost to my confidence. I should be able to do better during upcoming outdoor races." Singh's record-breaking feat marked a spectacular start to his season.

It also fueled his ambition to qualify automatically for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in the men's 10,000m event. His next target is to achieve the qualification time of 27:00.00 in the 10,000m track race. Having already set national records in both the 5000m and 10,000m last year.

Singh is aiming to improve his personal best of 27:14.88 in the 10,000m and 13:11.82 in the 5000m. The race in Boston was not only a testament to Singh's exceptional form but also a confidence booster as he prepares for the upcoming outdoor season. His performance underscores his growing stature in Indian athletics.

Especially considering he is continuing to challenge longstanding records. Other Indian athletes also participated in the Boston event. Middle-distance runner Rahul, ranked 112th globally, finished the 3000m indoor race in 8:08.27, while Kartik Kumar, ranked 95th, clocked 14:05.67 in the men's 5000m indoor race.

On Saturday evening, Seema was scheduled to compete in the women's 5000m indoor race. A dedicated core group of Indian middle and long-distance runners, including Singh, are currently training at high altitude in Colorado Springs, USA, under the guidance of foreign coach Scott Simmons.

This rigorous preparation is aimed at enhancing their performance for the upcoming Asian and World Athletics Championships. Singh's recent achievement in Boston is not just a personal milestone but also a positive sign for Indian athletics. With his sights set on World Athletics qualification, Gulveer Singh is one to watch in the coming season.