\u201cI never thought about medals after the injury. Being his father and personal coach, I only wished that he would walk like a normal person again. But he has done a miracle\u2014for us and for the country. I am extremely proud of him,\u201d an emotional Murali told IANS after his son\u2019s historic achievement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Calling it a moment of immense pride for the family, Murali said Sreeshankar\u2019s comeback was powered by unwavering determination after a career-threatening injury.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt is a very, very proud moment for me and my family because he is coming back after a huge injury\u2014a ruptured patellar tendon. This is actually his second life. We never imagined he would return and jump like this. I am so happy that he has become a double Commonwealth Games medallist in the long jump,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Murali revealed that the rehabilitation process began immediately after the devastating injury. The very next day, Sreeshankar travelled to Mumbai to consult renowned sports surgeon Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala before undergoing surgery in Doha.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Following the operation, he spent nearly seven months at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) in Ballari, where he underwent intensive rehabilitation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOnly because of his determination and dedication could he make such a comeback. He worked relentlessly during those six to seven months at IIS,\u201d Murali said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the injury, Sreeshankar never allowed self-doubt to creep in. According to his father, the athlete remained remarkably calm and confident throughout his recovery.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe kept telling me, \u2018I\u2019ll come back. I\u2019ll jump again. Don\u2019t worry about me.\u2019 He was calm, composed and completely confident that he would return. I think he may be one of the very few athletes to come back at this level after a ruptured patellar tendon injury,\u201d Murali recalled.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The emotional journey extended beyond the training ground. While Murali focused on his son\u2019s recovery as coach and father, Sreeshankar\u2019s mother turned to faith, praying every day for his successful return.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe kept telling me, \u2018I\u2019ll come back. I\u2019ll jump again. Don\u2019t worry about me.\u2019 He was calm, composed and completely confident that he would return. I think he may be one of the very few athletes to come back at this level after a ruptured patellar tendon injury,\u201d Murali recalled.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sreeshankar\u2019s silver medal is not just another podium finish for India\u2014it is a testament to resilience, relentless hard work and a family\u2019s unwavering belief that transformed heartbreak into one of the greatest comeback stories of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.<\/p>\r\n\r\n