For Murali Sreeshankar’s mother K.S. Bijimol, watching Monday’s Asian Games long jump final was an exercise in patience and prayer.
By evening, relatives, friends and neighbours had gathered at the family home at Yakkara, Palakkad. All eyes were on the television as Sreeshankar began his final.
His first jump measured 7.66 metres. The room grew tense. Then came the second attempt: 8.07 metres. Sreeshankar moved into second place, bringing some relief to those watching.
But the tension returned soon. Ms. Bijimol, a former athlete, continued to pray as her son took his third attempt, clearing 7.56 metres. His fourth jump was a foul, and he was injured. The room fell silent. There was little anyone could do but wait and pray.
Sreeshankar did not take part in the fifth and sixth rounds. The family watched the other competitors, hoping none would surpass his mark. When the final attempts were over, Sreeshankar remained in second place. The silver 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, Palakkad MP, 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 S. Murali joined the family on a video call. He could not be there for the final, but he was there to share the moment.
After an evening of jumps, prayers and waiting, the Sreeshankar home at Yakkara had a reason to celebrate: a silver medal from the Asian Games.
