Asian Games silver medallist Sreeshankar sets sights on 2028 gold
Long jumper M. Sreeshankar said his silver medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan would strengthen his pursuit of gold in 2028. He described slipping during an 8.20-metre attempt and managing cramps in difficult heat, humidity and rain.
Asian Games silver medallist M. Sreeshankar said he hoped to win gold in 2028 after finishing second in the long jump at the 2026 Games in Japan. Speaking to reporters at his residence in Palakkad after returning from Japan, Mr.
Sreeshankar said his physical condition and preparation had been sufficient for a jump beyond 8.20 metres. He said he slipped while attempting that distance during his fourth attempt, affecting his performance. He described the silver as his fourth career silver medal and said narrow defeats on previous occasions had strengthened his belief that a major victory was possible.
He said a gold medal in 2028 would compensate for those setbacks. Mr. Sreeshankar recorded 8.07 metres in the competition.
He said heavy rain, humidity and heat made conditions difficult and caused cramps among several athletes. He added that his muscles began cramping from his third attempt. Because he feared worsening the injury, he said he approached a later jump cautiously and focused on completing it rather than applying full force.
He considered the 8.07-metre effort satisfactory in the circumstances. The athlete said the contest was closely fought, with all five competitors having previously jumped around 8.30 or 8.40 metres. He said the athletes behind him recorded 8.05 and 8.06 metres, with the second, third and fourth places separated by one centimetre.
Palakkad MP V.K. Sreekandan and MLA Ramesh Pisharody visited Mr. Sreeshankar’s residence for a civic reception and to congratulate him.
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