CM Majhi congratulates Gulveer Singh on Asian Games 2026 silver
Synopsis
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated long-distance runner Gulveer Singh for claiming silver in the Men's 10,000m at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, praising his grit and endurance as a reflection of Team India's spirit.
Key Takeaways
Gulveer Singh won a silver medal in the Men's 10,000m at the Asian Games 2026 held in Japan .
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi publicly congratulated Singh on 25 September 2026 via X.
Majhi praised Singh's 'grit, endurance and determination' as reflective of Team India 's spirit.
India's best-ever Asian Games tally was 107 medals at the 2023 Hangzhou Games , setting a high bar for the 2026 edition.
Gulveer Singh is a specialist in long-distance track events, with the 10,000m his primary continental discipline.
A silver medal in the Men's 10,000m at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan — and within hours, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was among the first voices to celebrate it. On Friday, 25 September 2026, Majhi took to X to extend his congratulations to long-distance runner Gulveer Singh, calling the performance 'remarkable' on the continental stage.
In his post, Majhi wrote: 'Heartiest congratulations to Gulveer Singh on winning the Silver Medal in the Men's 10,000m at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan. His grit, endurance and determination reflect the spirit of Team India and have made the nation proud.'
Gulveer Singh's silver adds to India's growing tally
Gulveer Singh is one of India's foremost long-distance track specialists, with the 10,000m his signature event at the continental level. A silver at the Asian Games represents the highest stage of competition in Asia — and a result that places him firmly among the continent's elite distance runners. The medal adds another entry to Team India's scoreboard at the 2026 Games in Japan.
India's appetite for Asian Games glory has grown sharply in recent years. At the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, the country recorded its best-ever tally of 107 medals — a benchmark that set expectations high heading into the 2026 edition. Every medal earned in Japan is measured against that landmark.
Why a CM's congratulations carries weight
Chief ministers across party lines have made a habit of publicly celebrating Indian athletes' international successes — and for good reason. Sports recognition from political leaders amplifies an athlete's profile, signals state-level support for the broader athletics ecosystem, and connects regional governance to national pride. Majhi, who became Odisha's first BJP Chief Minister after the 2024 state elections, has been vocal in associating his administration with national achievement.
Odisha itself has a storied connection to Indian sports infrastructure — the state has hosted marquee hockey tournaments and invested significantly in grassroots athletic development, making such gestures more than ceremonial for its constituents.
For Gulveer Singh, the cheers from Bhubaneswar to New Delhi are well-earned. India's distance runners have long been the quieter story in a sprint-and-field-dominated narrative — a silver in the 10,000m changes that conversation, at least for one golden evening in Japan.
Point of View
But it also reflects a genuine shift in how state governments position themselves within the national sports ecosystem. For Majhi, whose BJP government in Odisha inherited a state already known for sports infrastructure investment, the congratulatory post reinforces continuity with that identity. India's improving Asian Games performance — anchored by the record 107-medal haul in Hangzhou — means each new Games carries higher public expectations, and political leaders are keen to be visible participants in that pride. Gulveer Singh's silver in the 10,000m is also a quiet signal that India's long-distance running programme, often overshadowed by sprinters and field athletes, is maturing at the continental level.
NationPress
25 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Gulveer Singh win a medal at the Asian Games 2026?
Yes, Gulveer Singh won the Silver Medal in the Men's 10,000m at the Asian Games 2026 held in Japan, as confirmed by Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi's congratulatory post on 25 September 2026.
Where are the Asian Games 2026 being held?
The Asian Games 2026 are being hosted in Japan.
Who is Gulveer Singh?
Gulveer Singh is an Indian long-distance runner who specialises in track events including the 10,000m and competes for Team India at continental and global competitions.
What did Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi say about Gulveer Singh?
CM Majhi offered his 'heartiest congratulations', saying Gulveer's 'grit, endurance and determination reflect the spirit of Team India' and that his performance 'made the nation proud'.
What is India's best-ever Asian Games medal tally?
India's best-ever Asian Games medal tally was 107 medals, achieved at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
