Thiruvananthapuram, July 31 — Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan called M. Sreeshankar telephonically to congratulate him on scripting history by winning the silver medal in the Men's long jump at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, describing the achievement as a landmark moment for both Kerala and Indian athletics.
Sreeshankar's latest feat makes him the first Indian long jumper to win back-to-back medals at the Commonwealth Games, having also secured a silver medal at the previous edition.
The achievement cements his status as one of India's finest track and field athletes and adds another glorious chapter to Kerala's rich sporting legacy.
Congratulating the star athlete, the Chief Minister said on Thursday that Sreeshankar had once again made the entire nation proud through his exceptional consistency on the international stage.
He noted that winning medals in successive Commonwealth Games was a rare accomplishment that reflected years of dedication, discipline and relentless hard work.
"The entire State is proud of your achievement. You have once again elevated Kerala's sporting reputation before the world," Satheesan told the athlete during the telephone conversation.
Sreeshankar, in turn, thanked the Chief Minister for the wishes and used the opportunity to urge the state government to further strengthen Kerala's sports ecosystem.
Stressing the need for greater institutional support, the star athlete requested that the state invest more in sports infrastructure, scientific training facilities and athlete development programmes so that more youngsters could emulate international achievers.
Responding positively, Chief Minister Satheesan assured the Olympian that the state government would accord the highest priority to the growth and development of sports in Kerala.
He said the state government remained committed to creating world class infrastructure, expanding coaching facilities and providing talented athletes with the support required to excel on the global stage.
Satheesan reiterated that Kerala has consistently produced some of the country's finest athletes and that the state government would intensify efforts to nurture sporting talent from the grassroots level.
He said Sreeshankar's historic achievement should serve as an inspiration to thousands of young sportspersons across the state to dream big and strive for excellence.