Munish Sood
Mandi
In a moment of extraordinary pride for Himachal Pradesh, India’s new “Golden Boy” Sawan Barwal, the long-distance runner from Bhakhed (Ehju) village in Joginder Nagar, has received a prestigious official invitation from the Prime Minister’s Office to attend the Republic Day Parade on 26 January 2026 in New Delhi. The invitation, extended to him and his family, recognises his glittering sporting career and exceptional contribution to Indian athletics.
From Mountain Trails to National Honour
Only 27 years old, Sawan Barwal has risen from the rugged hills of Mandi district to become one of the most celebrated distance runners in the country. Currently serving in the Indian Army’s Engineer Regiment with the rank of Havildar, he has brought national glory with his stunning victories at major championships.
His breakthrough came at the 38th National Games in Dehradun, where he won:
• Gold in the 5000 meters, setting a new national meet record
• Gold in the 10,000 meters, again breaking the existing meet record
These back-to-back record-breaking performances earned him the title “Golden Boy of India”, placing him among the top long-distance runners in the nation and securing his qualification for the upcoming international championships.
A Track Record that Speaks for Itself
Barwal’s personal best timings reflect his remarkable talent and global competitiveness:
• 10,000 meters – 28:49.93
• 5000 meters – 13:39.26
• Half Marathon – 1:02:46
• 25km Road – 1:14:11
He has stood in the top international results list, competed against world-class runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Japan, China, Uganda and others, and earned India recognition on the global athletics stage.
The Republic Day Invitation – A Symbol of National Respect
The PMO’s invitation acknowledges not only his athletic excellence but also the spirit of determination and discipline he represents. The young soldier-athlete will be honoured alongside distinguished national achievers, making it a milestone moment in his career.
For Himachal Pradesh, the honour is monumental — a runner from a small mountain village now stands among the country’s most celebrated personalities. His journey is an inspiration to thousands of youth, proving that talent nurtured in remote regions can triumph on the world stage.
A Journey Built on Grit and Discipline
Barwal trained for years in challenging hill terrain under demanding routines, relying more on determination than facilities. Beginning his career in 2010 at the Athletics Training Centre in Joginder Nagar, he went on to bag medals in National Cross Country, Federation Cup, North Zone, Inter-State Championships, and international road and marathon events from London to UAE and Hong Kong.
His victories also include winning the Tata Marathon with a time of 1 hour 4 minutes, earning significant national recognition and sponsorship support.
Eyes Set on Bigger Dreams
With multiple national records in hand, the Golden Boy of India is now preparing for even bigger platforms:
• Asian Championships medals
• Commonwealth Games qualification
• Olympic ambition in long-distance running
Sawan dedicates his success to his coaches, family and the unwavering support of his people. He says his aim is to “make Himachal proud on the global athletics stage and inspire a new generation of runners.”
A Historic Day Ahead
As the nation gears up to celebrate Republic Day 2026, all eyes will be on this young athlete from Himachal Pradesh who turned determination into destiny. The honour bestowed on him is a testament to what relentless effort, discipline and patriotism can achieve.
With the tricolour high and a heart set on the future, Golden Boy Sawan Barwal is ready for his next race — one that could lead him to the podium of the world.
