Indian long-distance runner Sawan Barwal has scripted history by breaking India’s 48-year-old national marathon record, marking a remarkable rise from the hills of Himachal Pradesh to the country’s athletics record books.
Barwal clocked an impressive 2:11:58 at the Rotterdam Marathon earlier this year, surpassing the long-standing national record set by Shivnath Singh in 1978. The achievement ended one of the oldest records in Indian athletics history.
Hailing from Joginder Nagar in Himachal Pradesh, Barwal’s journey has been built on endurance, discipline and years of hard work. Growing up in the mountainous terrain helped shape his stamina and mental toughness, qualities that later became crucial in his marathon career.
The Indian Army athlete is now eyeing bigger milestones, including qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. His achievement has also sparked fresh optimism for Indian long-distance running on the global stage.
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