Tridib BaparnashNew Delhi, July 29 -- When Gulveer Singh first started running on the dusty roads around his village in Uttar Pradesh, the finish line he had in mind was not an international podium. His dream was to clear the physical fitness test and join the Indian Army.

Years later, those same legs carried him into Indian athletics history.

On a cold, rain-lashed Tuesday evening in Glasgow, Gulveer became the first Indian to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the men's 10,000m, producing a perfectly judged race to claim the silver medal in 27:49.78.

He finished just behind Australia's Ky Robinson (27:48.93), while David Mullarkey of the Isle of Man took bronze in 27:50.28.

The medal was significant for more than one reason.

It made G...