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Won for the ages: Meet Sawan Barwal, the young Army man setting new records as a marathoner
Sawan Barwal, an Indian Army havildar, set a new Indian athletics record at the Rotterdam Marathon with a 2:11:58 finish in his first marathon, breaking a 48-year-old mark. The article traces his path from track events to marathon training, outlining his coaching support, rising mileage, and his aspirations for the Asian Games in Japan.
Why It Matters
Barwal’s breakthrough represents a significant milestone for Indian long-distance running and could signal a broader push for faster marathon times on the international stage.
Timeline
8 Events
Target for future marathon set at 2:08:00
2026
The target is 2:08:00 for the next marathon, with the aim to challenge the existing Asian Games record of 2:08:21.
Asian Games qualification secured
2026
Barwal’s Rotterdam record qualified him for the Asian Games in Japan in September–October 2026.
Celebrations after the record
2026
Celebrations included dinner at a Japanese restaurant and a river cruise with his coach the following day.
Rotterdam Marathon: first marathon finish and national record
2026
In Rotterdam, Barwal finished his first marathon in 2:11:58, breaking Shivnath Singh’s 48-year national record of 2:12:00. He was disappointed not to meet his personal target of under 2:10:00.
Move to marathon considered; mileage and long runs increase
2023
In 2023, Athletics Federation of India coach Scott Simmons floated the idea of switching from the 10,000m to the marathon; Barwal increased weekly mileage from 180 km to 220 km and extended long runs from 28 km to 36 km.
Begins training at Army Sports Institute under Ajith Markose
2022
Based at the Army Sports Institute in Pune, Barwal began training under coach Ajith Markose in the Reliance Foundation’s Endurance Program in 2022.
Joins Indian Army under sports quota
2019
Barwal joined the Indian Army under the sports quota in 2019, marking a turning point and providing access to structured training.
Bronze at Sub-Junior Nationals sparks running path
2013
Barwal won bronze in the 3000m at his first Sub-Junior Nationals, signaling his talent and initiating his interest in athletics.