Kerala long jumper Sreeshankar’s Asian Games silver brings cheers to Yakkara

Celebrating her son’s silver medal at the Asian Games, Sreeshankar’s mother KS Bijimol shares a special moment with her husband S Murali who joins the celebrations via video call. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

For Murali Sreeshankar’s mother KS Bijimol, watching the Asian Games long jump final on Monday was an exercise in patience and prayer.

By evening, relatives, friends and neighbors gathered at the family home in Yakkara, Palakkad. All eyes were on the TV as Sreeshankar started his finale.

His first jump measured 7.66 meters. The tension in the room was building. Then came the second attempt: 8.07 meters. Sreeshankar moved to second place and brought some relief to the onlookers.

But the tension soon returned. Mrs Bijimolova, a former athlete, continued to pray as her son made his third attempt and cleared 7.56 metres. His fourth jump was fouled and he was injured. The room fell silent. There was nothing anyone could do but wait and pray.

Sreeshankar did not participate in the fifth and sixth rounds. The family watched the other contestants, hoping none would beat his mark. When the final attempts were over, Sreeshankar remained in second place. The silver was his.

The silence at home broke into cheers. Firecrackers were set off and sweets distributed as news spread through Yakkara.

Palakkad MP VK Sreekandan, who came to the house to watch the final, joined the celebrations.

Minutes after the medal was confirmed, Sreeshankar’s father and coach S. Murali joined the family via video call. He couldn’t be there for the finale, but he was there to share the moment.

After an evening of jumping, praying and waiting, the Sreeshankar home in Yakkara had reason to celebrate: a silver medal at the Asian Games.

Published – 28 Sep 2026 20:51 IST