Glasgow, July 30: India’s Murali Sreeshankar clinched the silver medal in the men’s long jump at the Commonwealth Games 2026, narrowly missing the gold by just 6 cm in a thrilling final.
Sreeshankar produced a best jump of 8.09m in his opening attempt, leading the competition after the first three rounds. However, Jamaica’s Tajay Gayle, a former world champion, took the lead in the fourth round with a leap of 8.15m, which ultimately secured him the gold medal.
The Indian athlete came close to reclaiming the top spot with a massive fourth-round effort, but the jump was ruled a foul. His father and coach later suggested the attempt would have exceeded 8.20m had it been legal.
Scotland’s Stephen Mackenzie claimed the bronze medal with a best effort of 8.08m, finishing just one centimetre behind Sreeshankar.
In the final round, Sreeshankar managed 7.97m, leaving his opening jump as his best mark of the competition. Gayle was unable to improve on his winning distance but comfortably retained the lead.
India’s second finalist, Lokesh, impressed on his Commonwealth Games debut by finishing fifth with a best jump of 7.97m.
Final Standings:
- Tajay Gayle (Jamaica) – 8.15m (Gold)
- Murali Sreeshankar (India) – 8.09m (Silver)
- Stephen Mackenzie (Scotland) – 8.08m (Bronze)
