Murali Sreeshankar Ruled Out of Paris 2024 Olympics Due to Knee Injury

Murali Sreeshankar, India's top long jumper and Asian Games silver medalist, has been ruled out of the Paris 2024 Olympics due to a knee injury that requires surgery. The 25-year-old athlete sustained the injury during training on Tuesday, shattering his Olympic dream.

Sreeshankar had secured his berth for the Paris Olympics after achieving an impressive 8.37m jump at the 2022 Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok, becoming the sole Indian long jumper to attain automatic qualification. He was set to begin his 2024 season with back-to-back Diamond League Meetings in April and May.

In an emotional social media post, Sreeshankar expressed his disappointment, stating, "The one single thing I have chased relentlessly all these years is now over. My Paris Olympics dream is over." He acknowledged that the road to recovery will be "long, difficult and will take a lot out of me."

Why this matters: Sreeshankar's injury is a significant setback for India's track and field contingent at the Paris 2024 Olympics. As the country's top long jumper and a medal hopeful, his absence will impact India's chances of securing a podium finish in the event.

Despite the setback, Sreeshankar remains determined to make a comeback, drawing inspiration from basketball great Kobe Bryant's "Mamba Mentality." He stated, "I will overcome this challenge with the 'Mamba Mentality' and will be back with a bang."

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has assured Sreeshankar of all support in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of his knee injury. He has already consulted with a specialist doctor in Mumbai.

Sreeshankar had a successful 2023 season, winning silver medals at the Asian Championships and Asian Games, and achieving a personal best of 8.41m. His injury will see him miss the entire 2024 season, including the Diamond League and other continental events, as he focuses on his recovery and comeback.

Key Takeaways

• India's top long jumper Murali Sreeshankar ruled out of Paris 2024 Olympics due to knee injury
• Sreeshankar secured Paris Olympics berth with 8.37m jump at 2022 Asian Athletics Championships
• Injury setback for India's track and field contingent, Sreeshankar a medal hopeful in long jump
• Sreeshankar determined to make comeback with "Mamba Mentality" after diagnosis and treatment
• Sreeshankar to miss entire 2024 season, including Diamond League, as he focuses on recovery