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In a heartbreaking development, India's ace long jumper Murali Sreeshankar has been ruled out of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 25-year-old athlete is suffering from a knee injury that won't be healed in time for the mega event later this year.
Sreeshankar won the silver medal at the Asian Games last year and also at the Commonwealth Games the year before. His spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics was sealed when he earned the same medal at the Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok, last year.
However, all his hopes were dashed due to the knee injury he suffered during his training. The injury requires surgery and with less than 100 days remaining for the Summer Games, there isn't enough time for the long jumper to recover.
He bared his pain in a long social media post where he informed everyone of this sad development.
"All my life, I've had the courage to look at a setback in the eye, accept situations I can't change, and work hard at dictating the outcomes of those I can. Unfortunately, in what feels like a nightmare, but is a reality, my Paris Olympic Games dream is over."
Murali Sreeshankar proceeded to give an account of how things led to this juncture.
"I suffered a knee injury during training on Tuesday, and all the tests and consultations later, it's been decided that I would need surgery, ruling me out of the one single thing I have chased relentlessly all these years."
In response to this post on Twitter, sports fans expressed their sympathy for the beleaguered athlete.
"We're with you through every step of this comeback trail. Let's do this!" the Inspire Institute of Sports tweeted.
"It’s heartbreaking, wishing a speedy recovery," a journalist tweeted.
"Sad to hear this. Was so looking forward to see you perform at the Olympics. Wishing a successful comeback. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!" another fan wrote on X.
Many other fans looked forward to Murali Sreeshankar coming back from the injury stronger and better.
"A heartbreaking moment for you as well as us who were expecting bigger things from you in Paris. While saying that, the positive energy you have shown in the message itself shows your grit and I am sure you will be back..even stronger. LA 2018 calling," one fan wrote.
"Come back even better Champ!!" another tweeted.
"Stay strong Sree. These ups n downs will only make your resolve grow strong," said another.
Murali Sreeshankar charts his comeback course
In his social media post, Murali Sreeshankar also wrote about his future plan of action.
"My journey to a comeback began the moment I injured my knee. This road is going to be long, difficult and will take a lot out of me. The good thing is, I have a lot to give. I will overcome this, because that's what 'Mamba Mentality' is all about," he wrote.
With the Olympics now out of his reach, the long jumper can look at the World Athletics Championships next year as his goal. Indian fans will definitely root for a strong comeback from Sreeshankar.
