India’s long jump sensation and national record holder Murali Sreeshankar was sensational as he performed really well in his first outdoor tournament of 2022. The Indian long jumper who holds the national record of 8.36m was in splendid form as he jumped 8.31m at the 12th International Jumping Meeting in Kallithea, Greece on Wednesday as it was enough for him to secure the gold medal at the meet.
The event also had some top long jumpers like the reigning Olympic and World Indoor Champion Miltos Tentoglou of Greece, World Indoors silver medallist Thobias Montler and Junior World Champion Erwan Konate of France.Therefore this win feels like a big achievement for the Indian youngster who is destined for greatness if he continues to perform this way.
The 23-year-old was extremely happy after winning the gold medal as he shared his thoughts in an interaction with the media after the completion of the event. He shared his opinions of facing top competitions from all around the globe and his future goals and also his preparation for the forthcoming events.
Talking about the competition at the meet in Greece, Murali Sreeshankar shared his thoughts to be a part of the great company and share the field with some quality athletes. He said, “It was a great feeling competing with the world-class field with Montler, Pomeri and other great jumpers. It was really good to compete with them and all the jumpers were pushing each other with electrifying performances. It was a good experience.”
The Indian youngster struggled for rhythm in the first two jumps and only after that he managed to hit the mark properly which won him the gold medal at the meet. He felt that lack of preparation and weather conditions were to be blamed for the early struggles. “I was struggling for rhythm in the first two jumps but I got a decent one in the third. Again in the fourth jump, there was a rhythm problem but the fifth and sixth jumps were good. I got that feeling that the board was coming closer so I was able to generate more speed, “ Sreeshankar shared.
Lastly he shared his plans for the rest of the year with many events already planned. He shared how the main aim from here on will be doing well at the World Championships followed by the COmmonwealth Games. He has really blossomed into a great prospect and is gradually taking the centre stage with his performances. “The main aim for this season will be the world championships and the Commonwealth Games. I will be looking forward to that. Now, I can feel that I will be able to bring a medal in both the championships,” Sreeshankar concluded.
