NEW DELHI, SEPT 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar for winning the silver medal in the Men’s Long Jump at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, praising his medal-winning performance and wishing him many more successes in the years ahead.
In a message shared by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Modi said, “Another Asian Games medal for Murali Sreeshankar! His leap earned him a place on the Men’s Long Jump podium. Congratulations to him. Wishing him many more successes ahead.”
Sreeshankar secured the silver medal with a best effort of 8.07 metres, finishing behind China’s Shi Yuhao, who won gold with 8.17 metres. Uzbekistan’s Anvar Anvarov took bronze with 8.06 metres, finishing just one centimetre behind the Indian athlete.
The Indian athlete produced his medal-winning jump in his second attempt, after opening the competition with a 7.66-metre effort.
He subsequently recorded 7.65 metres in his third attempt, while his fourth attempt ended in a foul.
Sreeshankar’s challenge became particularly demanding after he suffered an ankle injury during his fourth attempt.
Despite the setback, his earlier 8.07-metre effort remained strong enough to keep him in second position.
He eventually opted not to take his fifth and sixth attempts, but none of his competitors managed to better his mark, allowing him to retain the silver medal.
The medal also marked Sreeshankar’s second consecutive Asian Games silver medal in the men’s long jump, having finished runner-up in the event at the previous edition. His latest podium finish further adds to his record at the continental level.
The performance was particularly notable given the circumstances of the final, as Sreeshankar had to balance his medal challenge with an injury that prevented him from completing all six attempts.
Despite being unable to continue after his fourth-round effort, his 8.07-metre leap stood firm against the late challenges from the field.
Sreeshankar’s silver was part of a productive day for Indian athletics at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, with India also securing medals in events including men’s javelin throw and men’s 1,500 metres. His performance added another podium finish to India’s campaign in athletics.
Prime Minister Modi’s message recognised Sreeshankar’s achievement while highlighting the significance of another Asian Games medal for the Indian athlete.
The Prime Minister extended his best wishes to Sreeshankar for continued success in his sporting career.
