Keralam long jumper Sreeshankar’s silver at Asian Games brings cheers to Yakkara

For Murali Sreeshankar’s mother E.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.