CWG 2022: Murali Sreeshankar creates history, becomes first Indian to win silver medal in men's long jump at the Games

Birmingham: Murali Sreeshankar on Thursday created history after winning the silver medal in the men's long jump event at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham. Sreeshankar became the first Indian to win a silver medal in the men's long jump event in the commonwealth games.

The 23-year-old Indian jumped 8.08 metres in his fifth attempt to finish second behind Laquan Nairn of Bahamas. Notably, Nairn also had the best jump of 8.08 metres. However, he won the gold medal as his second best of 7.98 metres was better than the 7.84 metres of Sreeshankar.

As per rules, if two jumpers are tied on the same distance, the one with a better second-best effort will be ranked ahead. Meanwhile, another India, Mohammed Anees Yahiya, who also qualified for the finals, came at the fifth spot with his best jump of 7.97 metres.

Also Read: Commonwealth Games 2022: Tejaswin Shankar wins bronze in men's high jump, becomes first Indian to bag medal in CWG event.

Before Sreeshankar silver, Suresh Babu had won a bronze in the 1978 edition of the games in the men's long jump event. Among women, Prajusha Maliakkal won a silver in the 2010 edition in Delhi. Meanwhile, legendary Anju Bobby George bagged a bronze in 2002.

With Sreeshankar's medal, India's tally rose to 19, including five gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals. Out of the total medals, 10 came in weightlifting. Notably, India's medal tally could go up as most of the Indian boxers have qualified for the semifinals in their respective category. The country is also hoping to bag medals in wrestling. Australia is leading the tally with 130 medals, including 50 gold.

On Wednesday, Tejaswin Shankar won a bronze medal in the men's high jump. Shankar became the first Indian to win a medal in the event at the commonwealth games. The Indian high jumper cleared 2.22 metres to finish third on count back.

The Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 began on July 28. The game will conclude on August 8.