in India: Murali Sreeshankar The silver medal in the men’s long jump at the 2026 Commonwealth Games was clinched, producing a best leap of 8.09m in a fiercely contested final on Thursday. The Indian star led the competition after the first three rounds but eventually claimed silver after Jamaica’s former world champion Tajay Gayle soared to 8.15m in the fourth round. Scotland’s Stephen Mackenzie completed the podium with a best jump of 8.08m, just one centimeter behind Sreeshankar. The medal added another major success to India’s athletics campaign in Glasgow.
Sreeshankar took an early lead before Gayle attacked
Sreeshankar made an excellent start in the final, clearing a fine 8.09m, which kept him at the top of the standings after the first three rounds. Scotland’s Mackenzie stayed within touching distance at 8.08m, while Gayle occupied third on countback despite matching the Scotsman’s distance. Fellow Indian Lokesh is also in contention after recording 7.97m, sitting fourth at the halfway mark of the competition.
Gayle made a championship-winning jump
The contest took a dramatic turn in the fourth round when Gayle made a spectacular leap of 8.15m to seize the lead. Sreeshankar responded with what looked like a huge leap but was denied by the narrowest of margins as the attempt was ruled a foul. His father and coach, Murali, later indicated that the jump had comfortably cleared 8.20m, underscoring how close the Indian was to reclaiming the lead.
Final round ends India’s Gold hopes
Going into the sixth and final round, Sreeshankar still had a chance to overtake Gayle. Scotland’s Mackenzie, who jumped ahead of the Indian, cleared 8.06m in her final attempt, leaving her best mark at 8.08m and bagging the bronze medal.Sreeshankar’s final effort measured 7.97m, meaning his opening jump of 8.09m remains his best in the competition. Gayle, already assured of gold, failed to improve on his last attempt but held on to the title comfortably.
Lokesh impressed on Commonwealth Games debut
India’s second finalist, Lokesh, enjoyed an encouraging Commonwealth Games debut by finishing fifth. His best effort of 7.97m came in the opening rounds, but he was unable to improve in the remaining trials.
Final standings:
| Position: | Athlete: | distance: |
|---|---|---|
| 1: | Tajay Gayle (Jamaica) | 8:15 a.m |
| 2: | Murali Sreeshankar (India) | 8.09 m |
| 3: | Stephen Mackenzie (Scotland) | 8.08 m |
| 4: | Mitrevski (Australia) | 8.02 m |
| 5:00 | Lokesh (India) | 7.97 m |
| 6:00 | Ryan: | 7.93 m |
| 7:00 | Daniel: | 7.90 m |
| 8 o’clock | Adcock | 7.74 m |