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NEW DELHI: A little over two years ago, Murali Sreeshankar he feared he would never compete again. A ruptured patellar tendon during training in April 2024 forced the Indian long jumper to miss out on his biggest dream – the Paris Olympics – despite having already secured qualification.Doctors, trainers and many around him believed that his career might be over. But he didn’t want to give up.Today, the 27-year-old is back stronger than ever.Ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Sreeshankar is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. He opened the year with a jump of 8.15m in Bengaluru, won the Simbine Classic in South Africa with 8.12m and recently registered 8.38m at the National Inter-State Championships – the second best jump of his career after his national record of 8.41m.After winning silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games with 8.08m, Sreeshankar now has only one goal in mind – to turn silver into gold.“Because last time I won silver with the same jump, 8.08. I am in good touch, I have more confidence. This time the chances also look very good. I hope to change the color of the medal,” Sreeshankar told reporters during a virtual media interaction.
I’m in the best condition
The 2025 season for Sreeshankar was full of renewal, both mental and physical. After the surgery, he shifted his focus to the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games and, eventually, the LA Olympics.“My main goal in 2025 was to be at the World Championships to set the tone for the 2026 season, which is happening right now. Now in 2026 we have the Commonwealth Games in 10 days and we have the Asian Games in two-and-a-half months. It’s about fine-tuning your preparation to make sure you peak at the right time,” he said.“The global standards have become higher, but my biggest confidence is that I am physically in the best shape ever after the surgery. During the rehabilitation I have worked on many factors that have really improved my physical condition and qualities. I am really optimistic and looking forward to the events, especially the Commonwealth Games where the competition will be very high. I am excited to go to Glasgow and give a good competition,” he added.
Preparations in Poland for the challenge in Glasgow
Sreeshankar is currently training in Spala, Poland, where the conditions are very similar to those he expects in Glasgow. The Indian star believes the adaptation to the Mondo track surface and the cooler weather could make a big difference.“Spala is the absolute best place to train at the moment, not only because of the weather but also because of the track. Here is the Mondo track, which is the same surface we will have in Glasgow,” he said.“When I came here to Spala, the first week was because the feedback you get from the Mondo track is completely different from the normal track. It was difficult for us to train outdoors during evening training when it’s cooler so my body adapts,” added the long jumper.
Recovery is now more important than workload
After suffering a serious knee injury, Sreeshankar says recovery has become as important as training.“In terms of workload, recovery is now the most important thing. More than just working hard and doing my best every day, recovery has become a key part of my training. I usually train five days a week. One day is active recovery and one day is complete rest because I can’t train the way I trained five years ago because of the knee problem.”He added that the years of elite competition had taken their toll.After the Commonwealth Games, which are scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2, there will be little time to shift focus to the Asian Games. From September 19 to October 4, the 20th Asian Games will be held in Aichi and Nagoya.With the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games coming up in a few months, Sreeshankar knows the challenge lies in timing their peak.“The challenge is to peak at two different stages, the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. You have to respect your body and give it the proper recovery to be ready for the next training session. That’s what professional sport is all about, managing recovery and training schedules,” he said.
There is no target distance, just trust in the process
Over the years, Sreeshankar has taken his performances to a higher level. His personal best of 8.41m, set at the Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar in June 2023, remains the national record.Despite clearing 8.38m this season, Sreeshankar believes there is much more to come.“I didn’t keep an upper limit for my jump because I think I have the potential to make a very big jump this season. I didn’t improve any special mark like a national record or any specific distance. I just trust the process and work on every parameter under my control. I’m optimistic that the big jump will come at the big championship,” he said.“I was very happy as it was my best jump after surgery, but I have a much bigger jump ahead of me. Once all the various parameters align well, I will take that big jump. I am eagerly waiting for that day,” said Sreeshankar.
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