“It’s Often the Small Things That Make the Biggest Difference,” Says Gulveer Singh After Silver at Asian Games 2026

Gulveer Singh added another Asian Games medal to his growing collection on Friday, winning silver in the men’s 10,000m at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

The Indian distance runner clocked 28:29.38 to finish behind Bahrain’s Birhanu Balew, who took gold in 28:27.51. The result saw Gulveer improve on the bronze medal he won in the same event at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. Rather than chasing a fast time, Gulveer approached the race as a championship competition, staying with the leading group and waiting for the closing stages before making his move.

Reflecting on the result, Gulveer said the podium finish was satisfying but also part of a longer journey.

“It feels good to win a silver medal for India at the Asian Games. Standing on the podium at a championship like this is satisfying. We had prepared for a championship race rather than focusing on timing, and I was able to stick to the race plan.”

The Indian athlete added that the medal would serve as encouragement as he continues to develop.

“This medal is encouraging, but I know there is still a long way to go and many more races ahead.”

Gulveer's approach to the 10,000m final was built around patience. He remained with the lead group for much of the race instead of becoming involved in an early battle for position. As the race entered its decisive stages, he began moving forward and eventually secured second place. Gulveer explained that championship races require a different approach from competitions where athletes are primarily attempting to record a fast time.

“Championship races are always different from races where you're chasing time,” he said. “The plan was to stay relaxed, remain with the lead group, and make my move at the right moment.”

That required discipline over the long-distance race, particularly as the leading group remained together for much of the contest. Gulveer credited his preparation and the strategy developed with his coach for helping him execute the plan. “I trusted the race plan my coach and I had discussed, stayed patient throughout, and thankfully it worked out,” he said.

Focus on Incremental Improvement

For Gulveer, the silver medal is not being viewed in isolation. The athlete said his broader objective is to make consistent improvements rather than becoming overly focused on individual results. “Every year my aim is simply to improve a little more. I don't think too much about results because they come only if the preparation is good,” Gulveer said.

He acknowledged that winning a medal is an important outcome, but emphasised the importance of the progress that leads to it. “Winning a medal is a nice result. But for me, the important thing is that the progress is continuing. I'm fortunate to have the support of the Athletics Federation of India and the Inspire Institute of Sport.”

According to Gulveer, that support has helped create an environment in which he can concentrate on training and recovery. He also highlighted the role of his coaches in identifying and improving the smaller elements of his preparation. “They've created an environment where I can focus completely on training and recovery. My coaches help me keep improving in the small details that make a difference. I'll keep working in the same way and look to get better,” he said.

Gulveer also pointed to the wider team around an elite athlete as an important component of preparation. At the highest level, performance is not determined only by what happens during a race or training session. Coaches, physiotherapists, strength and conditioning specialists and recovery staff all contribute to an athlete's preparation.

“At this level, it's often the small things that make the biggest difference,” Gulveer said. He explained that having the right professionals around him allows him to concentrate on the core aspects of his preparation. “Having the right people around you, from coaches to physiotherapists, strength and conditioning experts and recovery staff, allows you to focus completely on your training.”

For Gulveer, consistency across these areas is particularly important. “When those details are taken care of consistently, it helps you perform better on race day,” he added.

Gulveer's silver provided another podium finish for India in athletics at the 2026 Asian Games. More importantly for the athlete himself, it represented another step in his Asian Games journey. After winning bronze in the 10,000m at Hangzhou, Gulveer returned to the podium in Aichi-Nagoya and moved up to silver.

His comments after the race reflected a focus not only on the medal but also on the process behind it. The emphasis on preparation, patience, recovery and incremental improvement has become central to his approach. For now, Gulveer can celebrate another Asian Games podium finish. But his own assessment remains focused on what comes next.

As he put it, the silver is encouraging — but “there is still a long way to go and many more races ahead.”