Murali Sreeshankar made a powerful statement at the start of his 2026 campaign, clinching the men’s long jump title with an impressive leap of 8.15m at the Indian Athletics Series in Bengaluru.
Competing at the iconic Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the 27-year-old delivered his best jump on the fourth attempt, emerging as the only athlete in the field to cross the coveted 8-metre mark. His effort not only secured top spot but also comfortably surpassed the Asian Games qualifying standard of 7.91m—marking an ideal start to a crucial season.
This performance holds added significance as Sreeshankar continues his comeback journey after undergoing knee surgery in 2024, which had sidelined him from major competitions, including the Paris Olympics. His 8.15m jump stands as one of his best returns since recovery, showcasing both consistency and renewed confidence.
The competition saw Bihar’s Sunny Kumar finish second with 7.90m, while Karnataka’s Purushotham secured third place with a jump of 7.87m.
Beyond the long jump pit, the event also featured standout performances across disciplines. Abdulla Aboobacker clinched the men’s triple jump title, while Sarvesh Kushare topped the high jump with a clearance of 2.23m. In women’s long jump, Ancy Sojan edged past Shaili Singh in a tightly contested battle.
For Sreeshankar, however, this victory is more than just a podium finish—it is a statement of intent. With major international events on the horizon, India’s long jump star appears to be regaining peak form at just the right time, raising hopes of a strong showing on the global stage in 2026.
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