Sreeshankar's Asian Games long jump silver sets Yakkara in Palakkad cheering
Murali Sreeshankar's silver medal in the men's long jump at the Asian Games brought an evening of tension, prayer and finally celebration to his family home at Yakkara in Palakkad district of Kerala.
For his mother, E.S. Bijimol, a former athlete herself, watching Monday's final was an exercise in patience and prayer. By evening, relatives, friends and neighbours had gathered at the house. All eyes were fixed on the television set as Sreeshankar began his series of jumps.
His first attempt measured 7.66 metres. The room grew tense. The second attempt changed the mood: 8.07 metres, which moved him into second place and brought visible relief to those watching.
The calm did not last. Ms. Bijimol continued to pray as her son took his third attempt, clearing 7.56 metres. His fourth jump was ruled a foul, and he picked up an injury. The room fell silent. There was little anyone could do but wait.
Sreeshankar did not take part in the fifth and sixth rounds. The family watched the remaining competitors closely, hoping none would surpass his mark. When the final attempts were over, he remained in second place. The silver medal was his.
The silence at home broke into cheers. Firecrackers were set off and sweets were shared as word spread through Yakkara.
V.K. Sreekandan, Member of Parliament from Palakkad, who had come to the house to watch the final, joined the celebrations.
A few minutes after the medal was confirmed, Sreeshankar's father and coach, K.S. Murali, joined the family on a video call. He could not be present for the final, but he was there to share the moment.
The long jump is an unforgiving event. A single foul, a mistimed take-off or a slight misjudgement on the runway can undo months of preparation, and a competition can turn on one attempt. Sreeshankar's evening reflected exactly that: a strong jump that secured his position, followed by a foul and an injury that ended his participation with two rounds still to go.
Sreeshankar is among India's leading long jumpers and holds the national record in the event. His progress has been followed closely in Kerala, a State with a long tradition of producing track and field athletes, and in Palakkad, where his family and coaches have been part of his journey from a young age.
A medal at the Asian level is a significant achievement for any athlete, and it carries particular weight in a discipline where India's presence in finals has been limited. For the family in Yakkara, however, the evening was simpler than that: a son competing far from home, a mother praying, neighbours waiting, and then a reason to celebrate.
After an evening of jumps, prayers and waiting, the Sreeshankar home had its reward: a silver medal from the Asian Games.
