Yeshnil Karan eyes national record after season-best run in Glasgow

Fiji's Yeshnil Karan is setting his sights on breaking his own national record after achieving a season-best performance in the men's 5,000 meters at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Competing in his second Commonwealth Games, the distance runner finished with a time of 14 minutes 35.76 seconds. Karan described the race as one of the toughest of his career, citing the fast early pace and strong winds as significant challenges. "It was really tough running against world-class athletes. The pace was fast and the wind made it even more challenging, but I’m happy with my season’s best and proud to represent Fiji," he said.

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It was really tough running against world-class athletes. The pace was fast and the wind made it even more challenging, but I’m happy with my season’s best and proud to represent Fiji.

Karan's performance is particularly noteworthy as he underwent appendicitis surgery earlier this year. He managed only six-and-a-half weeks of solid training leading into the Games, acknowledging the difficult road to recovery. "The preparation was really tough. I had to make a lot of sacrifices to get here, so I’m really happy with this performance. My coach is happy, my family is happy, and the team is happy too," he shared.

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My goal is to run a personal best in India and hopefully break my Fiji record.

Following a two-and-a-half-week training block in Brisbane, Karan is set to compete in India at a World Continental Tour meet. His primary goal is to run a personal best and surpass his existing Fiji record in the 5,000m. This focus on future performance underscores his dedication and ambition in athletics.

Karan dedicated his season-best run to his wife, two children, parents, coach, and the entire Team Fiji athletics squad, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support. With the Commonwealth Games concluded, his attention is now fixed on the upcoming events in India, followed by the Pacific Games next year, where he aims to continue his strong form.

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The preparation was really tough. I had to make a lot of sacrifices to get here, so I’m really happy with this performance. My coach is happy, my family is happy, and the team is happy too.