Background
Murali Sreeshankar, also written as Sreeshankar Murali, Murali Shreeshankar and Murali Shree Shankar, is an Indian long jumper from Palakkad, Kerala, and one of the country's leading indian long jumpers. Born on 27 March 1999, he studied mathematics at Government Victoria College in Palakkad. His father, S. Murali, is also his coach, while his mother, K. S. Bijimol, competed internationally in the 800m. He represented India at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and has established himself among the country's leading field athletes.
The Injury and the Comeback
Murali Sreeshankar's career took a major turn in 2024 when he suffered a serious left knee injury that ruled him out of the Paris Olympics. The injury involved a rupture of the patellar tendon and required surgery, rehabilitation and a lengthy recovery period. The setback threatened to derail a career that had already included an Olympic appearance and major international medals.
Current Season
Murali Sreeshankar returned to the international podium in 2026 after recovering from his knee injury. He recorded 8.38m at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar, one of the best performances of his career, before winning Commonwealth Games silver in Glasgow with 8.09m. The season marked a significant return to top-level competition.
In His Own Words
“Everyone who said I won't be jumping again ever in my career, this medal is for you.” — Murali Sreeshankar, after winning silver at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The statement reflected his response to the serious injury that had threatened his career and the long rehabilitation process that preceded his return.
Asian Games 2026
Murali Sreeshankar's Asian Games campaign in Nagoya, Japan, follows his silver-medal finish at the 2023 Hangzhou Games. After his recovery and return to international competition, he will look to build on his previous continental performance. His 2026 season has included a Commonwealth Games silver and an 8.38m performance at the National Inter-State Championships.
Commonwealth Games 2022 and 2026
Murali Sreeshankar won silver in the men's long jump at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with a leap of 8.08m, becoming the first Indian man to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the event. Four years later, he secured another silver at the 2026 Games in Glasgow with a jump of 8.09m, becoming the first Indian long jumper to win two Commonwealth Games medals.
