Murali Sreeshankar to undergo ankle surgery, eyes back on 2027 World Cup

Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar has undergone minor ligament reconstruction surgery on his right ankle after sustaining the injury at the Asian Games in Japan last month. The 27-year-old is now targeting a return to competition in the 2027 season, with the World Championships in Beijing and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics among his key targets.

Sreeshankar underwent the procedure at the Fortius Clinic in London on October 13 under the supervision of Dr. Pieter D’Hooghe. The injury occurred during the men’s long jump event at the Asian Games on September 28, where the Indian slipped on the rain-soaked starting board on his fourth attempt and sprained his right ankle.

Despite the setback, Sreeshankar managed to secure silver with a second-round jump of 8.07 metres. However, injury forced him to withdraw from his last two attempts.

In a post on social media, Sreeshankar explained that further consultations and investigations led to the decision to operate, despite initial hopes that rest and rehabilitation would be sufficient.

“Due to slipping off the starting board during the Asian Games, I injured my ligaments. After further consultation and investigations, surgery was deemed necessary to ensure my ankle is stable and ready for the upcoming season, with the 2027 World Championships in Beijing and especially LA 2028,” he wrote.

ANOTHER COMEBACK BEGINS

The latest injury is yet another setback for Sreeshankar, who returned to competitive action in 2025 after surgery on his left knee in April 2024. The surgery ruled him out of the Paris Olympics and forced him to spend an extended period out of competition.

The long jumper admitted the repeated injuries have been difficult to deal with, but said he is determined to focus on recovery rather than dwelling on the reasons behind them.

“Some of you might wonder why this guy keeps getting injured again and again. Tbh (to be honest), I don’t have an answer for that. I could simply blame it on a wet launch pad or maybe my fate, but neither will help me. I prefer to accept what happened and keep working to become the best version of myself,” he said.

Sreeshankar also drew inspiration from the mentality of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, whose competitive attitude and perseverance the Indian athlete has long admired.

“But one thing I know for sure is that I have the extra gene for a comeback and the Mamba Mentality in me. That will do the job,” he added.

FOCUS ON 2027 AND LA 2028

The ankle injury came during a promising return to the international scene. After missing the Paris Olympics, Sreeshankar rebuilt his fitness and returned to competition in 2025. He also won a silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games before adding another silver at the Asian Games.

His immediate priority will be to ensure the ankle regains stability before resuming full training. According to his father and coach S Murali, after further medical consultations, the family decided to undergo the surgery, considering the procedure necessary to prepare the athlete for the demands of the upcoming season.

Sreeshankar thanked the Sports Authority of India and the Athletics Federation of India, among others, for helping him get expert medical care.

“And yes, it’s here again!! Comeback 2.0 to chase another set of big medals!!” he wrote

With the World Championships in Beijing in 2027 and the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028 on the horizon, Sreeshankar now faces another period of rehabilitation. The Indian long jumper will be hoping that the latest move will allow him to return to full fitness and continue his pursuit of major international medals.

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