Gulveer Singh Wins 5000m Gold at Inter-State Championships But Misses Asian Games Qualification Mark

Bhubaneswar, June 24: Asian Championships medallist Gulveer Singh secured the gold medal in the men's 5000m at the Inter-State Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, but narrowly missed the qualification standard for the 2026 Asian Games.

Representing Uttar Pradesh, Gulveer clocked 13:52.92 to finish atop the podium after producing a powerful surge in the closing stages of the race.

Defending champion Abhishek Pal finished second in 13:54.18, while Harmanjot Singh claimed bronze with a time of 13:54.60.

For much of the race, Gulveer was content to stay behind the leaders. Harmanjot initially set the pace before Abhishek moved ahead midway through the contest. However, the Asian Championships medallist unleashed a strong finishing kick in the final lap to overtake both runners and seal victory.

Despite winning comfortably, Gulveer fell short of the Asian Games qualifying standard of 13:39.18. "I wanted to qualify for the Asian Games, but it didn't happen," Gulveer said after the race.

The national record holder's winning time was well outside the qualification mark, despite his personal best already being faster than the required standard. Gulveer attributed part of the performance to the newly laid track in Bhubaneswar. "The track is new and I couldn't get a proper grip," he explained.

Focus Shifts to 1500m

Gulveer will not compete in the 10,000m at the Inter-State Championships and has instead opted to focus on the men's 1500m, where he already possesses a strong chance of meeting the Asian Games qualification standard.

Interestingly, the 1500m has not been a regular event for Gulveer. He has competed over the distance only twice in his career. However, his personal best of 3:36.58 is significantly faster than the Asian Games qualification mark of 3:42.00.

Given his credentials and current form, the qualification standard appears well within reach. The upcoming race will also mark the first time Gulveer competes in a 1500m event on Indian soil.

When asked whether transitioning from the 5000m to the shorter 1500m would pose a challenge, Gulveer remained relaxed.

"There is no big problem. The coach does all the work, he will decide what to do, and I have to follow his training," he said.

Earlier this season, Gulveer finished second in a 1500m race in the United States, clocking 3:37.87. The Inter-State Championships will therefore be his second 1500m competition within a month.

Tough Competition Awaits

While Gulveer enters the event as a strong contender, the road to qualification will not be straightforward. Asian Championships medallist Krishan Kumar, Asian U-20 Championships gold medallist Mogali Venkatram and Asian Championships 2025 medallist Yoonus Shah are all expected to challenge for top honours.

However, the men's 1500m field appears more open than in previous years. Former national star Jinson Johnson has retired, while Ajay Kumar Saroj is not among the entrants. Yoonus Shah, meanwhile, has not replicated the form that brought him success last season.

That leaves the event wide open and presents Gulveer with an excellent opportunity to secure his Asian Games qualification.

The distance runner will also be one of India's leading medal hopes at the upcoming Commonwealth Games, where he is expected to compete in both the 5000m and 10,000m events.

At the previous Asian Games, Gulveer won bronze in the men's 10,000m with a timing of 28:17.21. His immediate target, however, will be booking his ticket to the next Asian Games through the 1500m event in Bhubaneswar.