New Delhi: Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar has undergone ligament reconstruction surgery on his right ankle following an injury at the Asian Games in Japan, with the Commonwealth Games silver medallist targeting a return to competition in 2027.
The 27-year-old underwent the procedure at Fortius Clinic in London on October 13 under the supervision of Dr Pieter D’Hooghe. Sreeshankar is now focusing on rehabilitation as he looks to return to international competition at the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing and prepare for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
The injury occurred during the men’s long jump final at the Asian Games on September 28. Sreeshankar slipped on the rain-soaked take-off board during his fourth attempt and twisted his right ankle. Despite the setback, he managed to secure the silver medal with a jump of 8.07 metres in the second round.
However, the injury prevented him from completing his final two attempts. Further medical consultations and investigations subsequently led to the decision to operate, despite initial hopes that rest and rehabilitation would be sufficient.
In a social media post, Sreeshankar said the surgery was intended to restore stability to his ankle and prepare him for the demands of the upcoming athletics season.
“Courtesy of the slip off the takeoff board during the Asian Games, I injured my ligaments. After further consultations and investigations, surgery was deemed necessary to ensure that my ankle is stable and ready for the upcoming season, with the World Championships 2027 in Beijing and, most importantly, LA 2028,” he wrote.
Asian Games silver came despite ankle injury
Sreeshankar’s injury came during a competition in which he had already demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level despite difficult conditions.
The Indian long jumper recorded 8.07 metres in his second attempt to secure silver in the men’s event. His hopes of improving that mark were affected when he slipped on the wet take-off board during his fourth attempt.
The incident resulted in a right ankle injury that forced him to withdraw from his remaining two jumps.
Although the silver medal added to his international record, the injury raised immediate questions about his recovery and preparations for the next season.
The decision to undergo surgery followed additional medical assessments. According to Sreeshankar, the procedure was considered necessary to ensure that the ankle would be stable enough for the physical demands of elite long jump competition.
For an athlete whose event requires explosive take-offs, rapid acceleration and controlled landings, regaining strength and stability in the affected ankle will be central to his rehabilitation.
The length of his recovery will depend on his progress and medical advice, with a return to competition planned for the 2027 season.
Another comeback after knee surgery
The latest operation marks another rehabilitation phase for Sreeshankar, who returned to competitive athletics in 2025 after undergoing surgery on his left knee in April 2024.
The knee operation ruled him out of the Paris Olympics, forcing him to spend an extended period away from competition. His return required rebuilding his fitness and working towards regaining the form that had established him as one of India’s leading long jumpers.
His subsequent performances included a silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and another silver at the Asian Games.
The repeated injuries have presented a challenge for the athlete, who has had to adjust his training and competitive plans more than once.
Sreeshankar acknowledged the frustration surrounding his injury setbacks but said he was determined to concentrate on the work required to return rather than dwell on the reasons behind them.
“Some of you might be wondering why this guy keeps getting injured again and again. Tbh (to be honest), I don’t have an answer to that. I could simply blame it on the wet takeoff board or perhaps my fate, but neither is going to help me. I’d rather accept what has happened and keep working towards becoming the best version of myself,” he said.
His remarks reflected his intention to approach the latest setback with the same determination that helped him return to competition after his knee surgery.
Sreeshankar draws inspiration from Kobe Bryant
The Indian athlete also referred to the mentality of basketball legend Kobe Bryant as he spoke about his determination to make another comeback.
Bryant, who won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, became widely associated with a demanding approach to training, preparation and competition. His mindset, popularly known as the “Mamba Mentality”, has influenced athletes across different sports.
Sreeshankar said he believed he possessed the determination needed to overcome the latest setback.
“But one thing I know for sure is that I have that extra comeback gene and the Mamba Mentality in me. That will do the job,” he added.
The reference underlined the athlete’s resolve to focus on rehabilitation and return to competition rather than allow the latest injury to define his season.
However, his comeback will depend on medical recovery, the restoration of ankle stability and his ability to rebuild the strength and conditioning required for international-level long jump events.
World Championships and LA Olympics remain key targets
Sreeshankar has identified the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing as a major target as he plans his return to competition. The Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 remain his longer-term priority.
The immediate focus will be on recovering from surgery and gradually returning to full training under medical and coaching supervision. Long jump places considerable demands on the lower body, particularly during the approach run, take-off and landing phases.
A successful return will require more than the healing of the injured ligaments. Sreeshankar will also need to rebuild his speed, explosive power, rhythm and confidence on the runway before resuming competition.
His previous recovery from knee surgery provides experience of returning after a prolonged absence, although the nature of the latest injury means his rehabilitation plan will need to be tailored to his ankle.
The 2027 season will be important in determining how quickly he can regain competitive form ahead of the World Championships and the following year’s Olympics.
Athlete thanks SAI and Athletics Federation of India
Sreeshankar also thanked the organisations and individuals who helped him access specialist medical care following the Asian Games injury.
He acknowledged support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), among others, during the process that led to the operation.
The involvement of specialist medical teams and sports administrators is important for elite athletes recovering from injuries, particularly when rehabilitation must be coordinated with training and competition schedules.
Sreeshankar’s latest update indicates that the decision to undergo surgery was made after further consultations, with the aim of giving him the best possible chance of returning to competition with a stable ankle.
He ended his post with a message that signalled his determination to begin the recovery process again.
“And yeah, here we go again!! Comeback 2.0, to chase down another set of major medals!!” he wrote.
Sreeshankar begins another road to recovery
The surgery represents another interruption to Sreeshankar’s competitive plans, but the Indian long jumper has made clear that his focus remains on returning to the international stage.
His Asian Games silver, achieved despite the ankle injury, adds to a record that includes major international medals and a comeback from previous knee surgery.
The coming months will be devoted to rehabilitation and rebuilding the physical capabilities required for elite competition. His return timeline will depend on how the ankle responds to treatment and when medical specialists consider him ready to resume full training.
With the 2027 World Championships in Beijing and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 among his stated goals, Sreeshankar has set his sights on another comeback.
For now, the priority is to recover fully, restore ankle stability and prepare for a return to the runway without rushing the rehabilitation process.