Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar flew to London for emergency surgery to be covered by the government

Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar is scheduled to undergo ligament reconstruction surgery on his right ankle in London on Tuesday, weeks after he was injured during the men’s long jump final at the 2026 Asian Games. External Affairs Minister Suresh Gopi announced on Monday that the central government would bear the entire cost of the procedure and fund the athlete’s treatment and rehabilitation.

The development comes after the 27-year-old initially suggested his ankle was not seriously injured and could recover with rest and rehabilitation. The operation is scheduled for October 13 at the Fortius Clinic in London under the supervision of sports orthopedist Pieter D’Hooghe.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Gopi said the government is ensuring that Sreeshankar receives the best possible medical care and rehabilitation to help him return to competition and prepare for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Courtesy: Reuters

HOW SREESHANKAR INJURED HIS HORSE

Sreeshankar injured his right ankle during the men’s long jump final at the Nagoya Asian Games on 28 September. Racing on a rain-soaked track, the Indian slipped on the starting board as he prepared for his fourth attempt and sprained his ankle.

He winced in pain and was unable to complete the last two jumps. However, the injury did not prevent him from claiming the silver medal as his second round performance of 8.07m proved to be enough to finish second.

China’s Shi Yuhao won gold with a jump of 8.17m, while Uzbekistan’s Anvar Anvarov claimed bronze with a performance of 8.06m.

Initial assessments offered hope that Sreeshankar would recover without surgery. Speaking to PTI after the competition, his father and coach S Murali said the injury was not serious and that proper rehabilitation and rest would help his son recover.

“It (Sreeshankar’s injury) is not serious. With proper rehabilitation and rest, he will be fine. Besides, the season is over and there is no competition left,” Murali said.

He also spoke about the physical toll of a demanding season, during which the family traveled extensively for training and competitions. The immediate priority, he indicated, was to determine where Sreeshankar would undergo rehabilitation, with Doha being one option as the athlete underwent successful knee surgery there in 2024. Courtesy: Reuters

THE CENTER FUNDS ALL THE COSTS OF THE OPERATION

Announcing the government’s support, Gopi said the Center has taken responsibility for the entire cost of Sreeshankar’s surgery along with ensuring the necessary treatment and rehabilitation for his return to the competition.

Gopi also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for facilitating the funding and support required for the athlete’s treatment. He expressed hope that Sreeshankar would recover well and return to competition with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in sight.

The development comes days after Sreeshankar expressed disappointment over the lack of outreach from Kerala ministers following his silver finish at the Asian Games. The long jumper said he was not contacted by any ministers from the state after his success and expressed his disappointment at the lack of support from the state government.

– The end