President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday, 29 September congratulated boxer Narender Berwal and distance runner Gulveer Singh for winning bronze medals at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, lauding their performances and perseverance on the continental stage. Both athletes delivered standout displays across their respective disciplines, adding to India's medal tally at the Games.

Narender Berwal's Boxing Bronze

Narender Berwal secured the bronze medal in the men's +90kg boxing event after his semifinal run ended in a 0-5 unanimous-decision defeat to Kazakhstan's world champion Oralbay. The Indian boxer competed strongly but was unable to overcome the Kazakh's control of the bout through disciplined punching and defensive work.

In a post on X, President Murmu wrote: 'I extend my heartiest congratulations to Narender Berwal on winning the Bronze Medal in the Men's +90kg Boxing event at the Asian Games 2026. Your determined performance in the ring has brought glory to the nation and added another proud achievement to Indian boxing. My best wishes for many more successes in your sporting journey.'

The medal marks Narender's second consecutive Asian Games bronze, having previously won in the +92kg category at the prior edition. Notably, India's boxing camp received further cause for celebration as Parveen Hooda advanced to the final of the women's 65kg event after defeating China's Li Shu with a 5-0 scoreline.

Gulveer Singh Completes Historic Three-Medal Haul

Distance runner Gulveer Singh completed a remarkable campaign by claiming bronze in the men's 5000m, clocking 13:32.75 to finish third behind Bahrain's Birhanu Balew (13:30.79) and Japan's Yamaguchi Tomonori (13:31.43). The result followed his earlier silver medals in the 10,000m and 1500m at the same Games.

President Murmu wrote: 'I once again extend my congratulations to Gulveer Singh on winning the Bronze Medal in the Men's 5000 Metres at the Asian Games 2026 and completing a memorable medal haul. Standing on the podium in three different distance events at one edition of the Games reflects exceptional endurance, determination and consistency. My best wishes to you for many more such achievements.'

A Historic Milestone for Indian Athletics

Gulveer's three-medal haul makes him the first Indian athlete in 40 years to win three medals at a single edition of the Asian Games — a feat last achieved by sprint legend P.T. Usha, who claimed four medals at the 1986 Seoul Games. He also became the first Indian to win two Asian Games medals in the 10,000m, building on his bronze at Hangzhou 2023.

India's Broader Showing at Aichi-Nagoya

The twin bronze medals reflect a growing depth in Indian athletics and boxing at the continental level. With Parveen Hooda in the women's boxing final and Gulveer's historic distance-running sweep, India's performance at Aichi-Nagoya signals a maturing programme across track events and combat sports. All eyes will now be on the final medal standings as the Games head towards their closing phase.