PALAKKAD: Silver medalist M. Sreeshankar Murali has opened up about the circumstances that led to his injury during the long jump event at the Asian Games. Speaking at a felicitation ceremony upon his return home, he stated that the takeoff board used in the competition held in Nagoya, Japan, is slippery even without rain, and numerous complaints have already been raised regarding this. Sreeshankar received a warm welcome from locals upon his return home.
He might be the 50th person to slip and fall on that board, he noted. The slipping became much more severe as it rained on the day of the competition. However, the impressive distance he cleared in the second round earned him the silver medal. He added that due to his foot slipping and injuring himself in the fourth round, he could not participate in the final two attempts.
Injury Status and Precautions
Sreeshankar stated that although his injury is not critical, failing to give it special attention over the next three to four weeks could affect his upcoming season. This is why he is currently using air boots. Since the injury is on his takeoff leg, doctors have issued strict instructions to exercise caution.
The athlete arrived home using a walker. Several prominent figures, including Palakkad MP V.K. Sreekandan, the MLA, and the Palakkad Municipality Chairperson, attended the event. At the ceremony, the MP announced that the synthetic track in Palakkad will be modernized soon. Sreeshankar's parents were also present at the function.
