Murali Sreeshankar Opts Out of Diamond League Final to Concentrate on Asian Games
Star Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar has decided to withdraw from the prestigious Diamond League Final, scheduled in the USA later this month, in order to shift his focus towards the Hangzhou Asian Games set to commence on September 23. This strategic move comes as a result of Sreeshankar’s consideration of the extensive travel requirements for the September 17 Diamond League Final in Eugene, which could potentially affect his physical condition and training routine.
Emphasis on Asian Games Preparation
Sreeshankar’s father, S Murali, confirmed the athlete’s decision, emphasizing that participation in the Diamond League Final would necessitate a significant amount of travel, potentially resulting in jet lag and other challenges. Recognizing the significance of the upcoming Asian Games, Murali Sreeshankar has made the prudent choice to channel his efforts into preparing for this highly esteemed sporting event.
Despite opting out of the Diamond League Final, Sreeshankar has exhibited commendable performance in the competition. He achieved a fifth-place finish in the Zurich leg of the Diamond League on August 31, achieving an impressive jump of 7.99 meters. This remarkable performance secured his position in the Diamond League Finals, where he currently holds third place in the overall standings with a total of 14 points.
Sreeshankar, boasting a season’s best and personal record jump of 8.41 meters, showcased his talent earlier in the season by clinching a silver medal with a remarkable jump of 8.37 meters at the Asian Championships in July. This accomplishment solidified his status as one of India’s premier long jumpers.
Successful Stint in the Diamond League
On June 9, Sreeshankar achieved a significant milestone by becoming only the third Indian athlete, following in the footsteps of Neeraj Chopra and former discus thrower Vikas Gowda, to secure a top-three finish in a Diamond League meeting. In Paris, he claimed the third position, further establishing his reputation as a top-tier long jumper.
Reflecting on his previous participation in the Asian Games, Sreeshankar finished in sixth place in the 2018 Asian Games long jump final with a notable effort of 7.95 meters. As he prepares for the Hangzhou Asian Games, Sreeshankar aims to surpass his previous performance and make a mark in this prestigious international sporting event.
