New Delhi, Mar 17: In yet another achievement, Murali Sreeshankar on Tuesday qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in the long-jump event after he set a national record in the ongoing Federation Cup. The 21-year-old Shreeshankar set a national record after making a jump of 8.26 meters in his final attempt at the Federation Cup and as a result, he attained qualification for the Olympics.
His fifth and best attempt of 8.26m earned him a spot in the Tokyo Olympics. He also bettered his previous national mark of 8.20m.
Also Read: 'With focus on Olympics, sports camps to be held in Gulmarg': Rijiju in Rajya Sabha
"Sreeshankar qualifies for Olympics! #TOPSAthlete long jumper #Sreeshankar has qualified for #Tokyo2020 with a national record jump of 8.26m at the Federation Cup. He surpassed his own record of 8.20m and the Olympic qualifying mark of 8.22m. #GemsofSAI #JeetengeOlympics," SAI Media tweeted.
Lauding the sportsperson, Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, "Hearty Congratulations to Murli Sreeshankar who has qualified for #Tokyo2020 with a national record jump of 8.26m at the Federation Cup. He surpassed his own record of 8.20m and the Olympic qualifying mark of 8.22 meters!"
Also Read: Meet Bhavani Devi, the first Indian fencer ever to qualify for Olympics!
The qualification mark for the Olympics was 8.22 metres. Men's long jump final was the only field event final scheduled for the second day of the Federation Cup.