Murali Shreesankar Questions Keralas Support for Athletes, Considers Tamil Nadu Option

Palakkad, October 10 (Daily Kiran) : Indian long jumper Murali Shreesankar, a two-time silver medalist at the Asian Games, has raised concerns about the lack of financial incentives and infrastructure support for athletes in Kerala. Speaking from Palakkad, he noted that while other South Indian states have made significant advancements in sports, Kerala remains stagnant, just as it was a decade ago.Shreesankar expressed that if the situation does not improve, he may consider representing Tamil Nadu instead. Despite suffering an ankle injury during the men’s long jump at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Shreesankar secured a silver medal, adding to his previous silver from the 2022 Games. Reflecting on his achievements, he stated, “Winning a silver medal at the Asian Games makes me happy. However, it’s unfortunate that I got injured on my fourth attempt, which affected my performance.” Shreesankar revealed that he plans to undergo surgery at Fortis Hospital in London, with costs covered by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).He emphasized the need for specialized care for his recovery. Criticizing the support for athletes in Kerala, he remarked, “When it comes to financial assistance and infrastructure, we are lagging behind. Ten years ago, all South Indian states had similar facilities, but now they have improved significantly. You can see the results and quality of athletes emerging from those states. Unfortunately, we are still where we were a decade ago. Even though incentives have doubled compared to the last edition, other states have surpassed us by a large margin.” He also mentioned that while no formal offer has been made, he is eligible to represent Tamil Nadu due to his birthplace.“I can obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC), and the Tamil Nadu Athletic Association has expressed their willingness to welcome me. If conditions do not improve in Kerala, I may have to consider this option," he said. Shreesankar pointed out the disparity in financial incentives for athletes across states. “We need to improve how we support our athletes financially. Unlike cricketers, we do not receive substantial earnings. Financial incentives from events like the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics are crucial for our livelihood as professional athletes.The gap in financial support between Kerala and other states is significant, and we must address this issue to retain and attract talent.” He concluded with a call for the state government to take the concerns of athletes seriously, urging that improvements in support and incentives are essential for the future of sports in Kerala.