Sreeshankar says his profitable effort in Bhubaneswar was his greatest efficiency because the knee surgical procedure in 2024.
| Photograph Credit score: BISWARANJAN ROUT
Seasoned lengthy jumper M. Sreeshankar values his second-best profession effort of 8.38m, achieved regardless of a moist observe and rotating wind on the Nationwide inter-State athletics on the Kalinga Stadium right here.
Sreeshankar emphasised that this was his greatest efficiency since present process a knee surgical procedure in April 2024. Regardless of a swollen knee and a difficult ankle, he has proven robust consistency, clearing 8m in all 5 competitions since April this season.
Retaining the passion
The 27-year-old retains the passion he had eight years in the past when he first crossed the 8m mark as a young person. “I used to be simply counting. This was my sixtieth leap above 8m. The type of consistency I’ve put in, particularly after the career-threatening damage I had in 2024, I used to be eagerly awaiting a great leap,” mentioned Sreeshankar, whose private greatest stands at 8.41m.
“After being advised that I gained’t be capable to leap once more, it actually feels particular. I’m grateful for no matter I’m doing.
“Nonetheless, my knees are usually not 100%, they’re swollen. There are three ankle screws. I must ice it recurrently, do a smooth tissue therapeutic massage and work on my mechanics. I’ve gotten used to the brand new type of coaching schedules.”
He thanked his father-cum-coach S. Murali and strength-and-conditioning coach Wayne Lombard for his or her strong help.
Sreeshankar is delighted with the depth in Indian lengthy leap. “Earlier than we left our room right this moment, I advised my dad that the competitors goes to be above 8.30m for certain,” revealed Sreeshankar, who’s now seventh among the many world’s main jumpers this season.
Shahnavaz Khan backed Sreeshankar’s prediction, leaping 8.30m to position second and transfer to eleventh on the planet. “There’re at the least three-four people who find themselves able to that type of leap. India has a wild begin proper now. We’ve 4 jumpers above 8.20m (in 2026).”
Inspiration
Conscious of the challenges the Glasgow Commonwealth Video games and Aichi-Nagoya Asian Video games will current, Sreeshankar seems to be to elite world athletes for inspiration.
“We have to replicate what we do right here, simply there. Miltiadis Tentoglou and others, no matter the situations, don’t complain. Adaptation is one thing that we’re lacking. As soon as that comes, LA 2028 ought to be actually fascinating,” mentioned Sreeshankar.
Revealed – June 30, 2026 05:48 pm IST