Big Blow For India, Paris Olympics Medal Contender Ruled Out Due To Injury

India's Asian Games and Commonwealth Games medalist Murali Sreeshankar announced on Thursday, April 18, that he will not be able to compete in the Paris Olympics due to a knee injury sustained during training. The star long jumper expressed his disappointment in a heartfelt message on social media, revealing that the injury necessitates surgery, effectively ending his pursuit of an Olympic appearance.

Incredible Momentum For Olympics

Sreeshankar secured his spot in the Paris Olympics by achieving a distance of 8.37m, surpassing the qualifying mark of 8.27m, at the Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok in July 2023. He had planned to kick off his season at the Shanghai Diamond League in April, followed by another Diamond League event in Doha in May. Last year, he made history by becoming only the third Indian athlete to finish in the top three at a Diamond League Meeting, clinching third place in the Paris leg on June 9.

Leading up to the Olympics, Sreeshankar had an impressive performance, winning silver medals at both the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games. His silver medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou was particularly commendable, given his resilient comeback from a disappointing showing at the World Athletics Championships, where he recorded a best effort of 7.74m.

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