Eldhose Paul: India’s Historic Golden Leap in Triple Jump
The Golden Leap: Eldhose Paul’s Journey from Kerala to Commonwealth Games Glory
August 2023 SSI Fanzine Cover Story
From humble beginnings in Kerala to winning India’s first men’s triple jump gold at the Commonwealth Games, Eldhose Paul’s journey is a story of determination, perseverance and sporting ambition. The August 2023 SSI Fanzine cover story explored how the athlete overcame limited facilities and financial challenges to make history on the international stage.
The Kerala Days: A Humble Beginning
Born on 7 November 1996 in Kolenchery, Kerala, Eldhose Paul grew up in a family with limited financial resources. His father, Kochuthottathil Paulo, worked as a daily farm labourer to support the family, while his grandmother, Mariyamma, played an important role in his upbringing.
Paul developed an interest in sports at an early age. However, his school lacked proper sporting infrastructure, coaching facilities and financial support. He began training with whatever resources were available, even creating makeshift landing pits using bamboo sticks and discarded materials.
The Switch to Triple Jump
Paul initially explored sports during his school years before pursuing athletics more seriously at Mar Athanasius College in Kothamangalam, where he joined under the sports quota.
At college, he was introduced to professional sports training and received guidance from former national jumps coach TP Ouseph, who had also coached renowned Indian athletes Anju Bobby George and Bobby Aloysius.
Paul’s maximum jump during his college years was around 13.40 metres. He later joined the Indian Navy and represented Services in domestic competitions, gradually developing his abilities as a triple jumper.
The Success Saga: From Domestic Events to International Glory
Despite being around 5 feet 8 inches tall, relatively shorter than many competitors in the event, Paul continued to make progress. His podium finishes at Services and state championships during 2018–19 helped build his confidence.
The year 2021 proved important as he won gold medals at three Indian Grand Prix athletics events. He also secured a national title at the championships in Patiala.
His international breakthrough continued in 2022. After competing in Almaty, Kazakhstan, he qualified for the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, becoming the first Indian triple jumper to reach the event’s final. He finished ninth in the final with a jump of 16.79 metres.
The Historic Win at Birmingham 2022
Paul’s defining moment came at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. After an opening jump of 14.62 metres, he improved his performance and recorded a wind-assisted 17.03 metres to secure gold.
India also achieved a historic one-two finish, with Abdulla Aboobacker winning silver with 17.02 metres. Paul became the first Indian man to win Commonwealth Games gold in the triple jump.
The achievement was particularly significant given the challenges he had faced while developing his career, including limited training infrastructure and difficulties arranging travel for international competitions.
Road Ahead: Bigger Dreams for Indian Athletics
As highlighted in the August 2023 SSI Fanzine feature, Paul wanted to continue representing India at major international events, including the World Athletics Championships and the Asian Games in Hangzhou. He also aspired to win a medal at the Olympic Games.
His journey demonstrates how talent and determination can overcome difficult beginnings, but it also highlights the importance of access to professional coaching, quality facilities and financial support.
Eldhose Paul’s golden leap in Birmingham was more than an individual achievement. It marked an important milestone for Indian triple jump and offered inspiration to young athletes who dream of competing on the world stage.
