Kerala’s Murali Sreeshankar has etched his name into Indian athletics history by becoming the first Indian long jumper to win two Commonwealth Games medals. The 27-year-old secured the silver medal with a best leap of 8.09 metres, completing a remarkable comeback just over a year after a career-threatening knee injury forced him to miss the Paris Olympics.
The latest achievement adds to the silver medal Sreeshankar won at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, making him the first Indian to claim back-to-back Commonwealth Games medals in the men’s long jump. His latest success further cements his place among India’s finest track and field athletes.
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Before Sreeshankar’s historic feat, India’s Commonwealth Games medallists in long jump included Suresh Babu, who won the men’s bronze medal in 1978, Anju Bobby George, who claimed the women’s bronze in 2002, and M. Prajusha, who secured the women’s silver medal in 2010. Sreeshankar has now become the first Indian long jumper to win two Commonwealth Games medals, setting a new benchmark for the sport in the country.
An emotional Sreeshankar reflected on his journey after the event, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to once again represent India on the international stage following his injury setback.
“Very happy, very grateful for being here as well. Very grateful for being able to represent India at the global stage ever again. Two years ago, I didn’t think that probably I’ll be in Glasgow and represent my country. But thankful to God and I’m here winning a silver medal for my country yet again,” he said.
Competing in only his second Commonwealth Games after missing the 2018 edition, Sreeshankar began the final with an opening jump of 8.03 metres before improving to 8.09 metres on his second attempt, briefly moving into the lead. However, Jamaica’s Gayle responded with a leap of 8.15 metres to take the top spot.
Determined to reclaim the lead, Sreeshankar registered two foul attempts while chasing a bigger jump before producing 7.94 metres in his fifth attempt, which ultimately proved enough to secure the silver medal.
The podium finish continues an impressive run of form for the Kerala athlete, who has consistently crossed the eight-metre mark this season. Earlier this year, he registered a season’s best leap of 8.38 metres at the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar, underlining his successful return from injury.
India’s other representative in the event, Lokesh Sathyanathan, finished fifth with a best jump of 7.97 metres, recorded in his opening attempt.
Sreeshankar’s silver medal not only marks a memorable personal comeback but also represents a landmark achievement for Indian athletics, as he continues to inspire the next generation of long jumpers with his resilience, consistency, and record-breaking performances.
