Murali Sreeshankar long jumps into Tokyo Olympics with a National Record. He broke the national record for long jump of 8.26 m in the ongoing Federation Cup. The day at the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala belonged to Murali Sreeshankar. However, some of the bigger stars could not earn Tokyo qualifications.
Murali Sreeshankar long jumps into Tokyo Olympics: Federation Cup 2021
The qualification mark for the Tokyo Olympics was 8.22 meters. Sreeshankar outjumped that mark with a national record of 8.26 in his fifth attempt.
Murali Sreeshankar’s previous record was of 8.20 meters. The 21- year old young athlete is now a force to reckon with in the Indian Long-Jump circuit. However, it is Shreeshankar himself who thinks one jump over 8.2 is not enough to sustain the glory.
When I did 8.20 my caliber was 8-8.10m at best. But I believe my ability at the moment is 8.40m. I am slowly getting into the rhythm and having all jumps over 8m today is a great sign because the competition out there is very tough. One occasional jump of 8.26 will not be enough to sustain, I need to stay in the 8.20-plus mark consistently,
Murali SHREESHANKAR ON HIS ABILITY
T. C. Yohannan was the first and only male long jumper to participate in the Olympics. Murali Sreeshankar is now the second to to achieve the feat. Yohannan made his Olympic appearance in 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.
Read Also : 10 Inspiring Indian Sportswomen: International Women’s Day Special
Murali Sreeshankar story: From not being able to walk to the Olympics
Earlier in 2018, Murali Sreeshankar did not think he would again jump for India. A serious operation of appendicitis and liquid diet had made him so weak that he could not even walk properly.
However, it has the mental strength of Sreeshankar that made him participate at the 2018 Asian Junior Athletics Championships at Gifu. It was only two months post his operation. He managed to win a Bronze medal there without having the strength in his legs.
Read Also Indian Athletes Qualified for 2020 Olympics in Tokyo: In Detail
Shreeshankar’s story is a inspiring one for all the upcoming young athletes of India. From not having the strength to walk to qualify for the Olympics it is been a remarkable journey for the young long jumper from Patiala.
He started the day with a long jump of 8.02. Then, continued his progress. Jumps of 8.07 meters and 8.09 meters followed that. Then, it was the fifth jump at secured his place at the Olympics.
Famous Indian log jumper Anju Bobby thinks there is enough talent in the Indian Athletic circuit who can beat the world’s best. Perhaps, jumpers like Murali Sreeshankar is now proving Anju Booby right.
However, the bad news from the Federation Cup was that Hima Das was defaulted in the finals of 100 meter race. Meanwhile, Dutee Chand also could not go pass the Tokyo qualification benchmark.
