Murali Sreeshankar Claims Commonwealth Games Silver but Eyes Gold
Murali Sreeshankar secured his second straight Commonwealth Games silver medal in Glasgow, but said his ultimate target was gold despite achieving another historic milestone for India.
India continued its impressive campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games with another medal in athletics as Murali Sreeshankar delivered a determined performance in the men’s long jump final. The Kerala athlete secured second place after an intense contest that remained open until the closing attempts.
Sreeshankar registered a season best leap of 8.09 metres, finishing behind Jamaica’s Tajay Gayle, who captured the gold with 8.15 metres. Home favourite Stephen Mackenzie settled for bronze after producing 8.08 metres, making it one of the closest field events of the competition.
Although another silver medal added to India’s growing medal count, Sreeshankar admitted his mission had been to return home with gold. He said representing India on the Commonwealth stage itself was a proud moment, especially after overcoming the challenges that kept him away from major competitions over the past two years.
The final round offered him one last opportunity to change the result. With the gold medal still within reach, Sreeshankar attempted a decisive jump but managed 7.97 metres, leaving the Jamaican athlete at the top of the standings.
Beyond the medal, the performance carried historic significance. Sreeshankar became the first Indian male long jumper to stand on the Commonwealth Games podium twice, further strengthening his place among the country’s finest field athletes.
The achievement was made even more meaningful because of the difficult road leading to Glasgow. A serious patellar tendon injury ruled him out of the Paris Olympics, forcing months of surgery, rehabilitation and recovery. His return to international competition has now resulted in another major medal, highlighting his resilience and determination.
Coming from an athletics family in Palakkad, Sreeshankar was guided by his father S Murali, a former international triple jumper, while his mother KS Bijimol also competed at the national level. Their influence helped him develop into one of India’s leading long jumpers, with a personal best of 8.41 metres and podium finishes at several major international championships.
India also had Lokesh competing in the same final. Making his Commonwealth Games debut, he finished fifth with a best effort of 7.97 metres, gaining valuable experience at the international level.
Sreeshankar’s podium finish increased India’s medal tally to 15, including three gold, nine silver and three bronze medals, as the Indian contingent continued to produce consistent performances across multiple sporting disciplines in Glasgow.
