Indian athletics celebrated another major milestone on day 10 of the Asian Games 2026 as distance runner Gulveer Singh secured the bronze medal in the men's 5000m final. Crossing the line among the top contenders, he sealed a historic hat-trick of medals at this single edition of the continental tournament. His consistent podium finishes have underscored India's rising strength in endurance track events on the international stage.
A Dominant Campaign on the Track
Under the floodlights at Paloma Mizuho, the 5000m final tested tactical discipline and stamina across twelve and a half laps. Gulveer Singh paced his effort effectively, maintaining contact with the lead pack before unleashing a sustained push in the closing stages to clinch third position. The achievement followed his earlier podium triumphs at the games, establishing him as one of the standout Indian performers of the competition. India's track and field campaign on the tenth day also featured a gold medal in the women's 400m relay, a trap shooting gold by Neeru, and an additional athletics bronze won by Pooja.
Praise From Amit Shah
Following the race, Amit Shah congratulated the endurance runner in a post shared on X. Commending the achievement, he noted that securing bronze in the 5000m and completing a medal hat-trick stood as clear evidence of the athlete's ironclad determination and unflinching commitment. The performance also drew recognition from high-ranking dignitaries, following earlier commendations by President Murmu for medal-winning efforts by Gulveer Singh, Parul Chaudhary, and Vithya Ramraj.
Public Reaction
Sports enthusiasts across digital platforms celebrated the three-medal milestone, describing the achievement as an inspiring showcase of grit and focus. While an overwhelming majority applauded the athlete for bringing pride to the country, several commentators raised queries regarding the broader sporting administration and the pattern of official congratulatory messages.
