The Indian Open Athletics Meet at Pune’s Savitribai Phule University Sports Complex turned into more than just a competition it became a celebration of resilience, youth promise, and quiet comebacks specially Sreeshankar.
Over the course of a humid Saturday, India’s domestic circuit witnessed impressive performances, personal bests, and, above all, the emotional return of the country’s leading long jumper, Sreeshankar.
The spotlight inevitably fell on Sreeshankar, who competed for the first time in nearly two years following a career-threatening patellar tendon rupture sustained on the eve of the Paris Olympics. His return was nothing short of remarkable, not merely for the distance he jumped but for the statement it made: that determination can overcome even the harshest sporting setbacks.
Sreeshankar Breaks 8-Metre Barrier
Every time Sreeshankar approached the runway, the atmosphere in the stands turned electric. The 25-year-old, who underwent surgery at Qatar’s Aspetar Hospital, had been told by multiple doctors in India that he might never jump again, let alone compete internationally.
“Every doctor in India was like, you’ll be able to walk in future but forget about doing long jump again,” he shared after the event.
Yet, competing against a headwind of -1.9 m/s, Sreeshankar produced a best leap of 8.05 metres, becoming the first Indian to cross the 8m mark this year. Though he topped the field, it was clear this day was about more than winning. Just being able to jump competitively again marked a personal triumph that resonated deeply with the spectators and fellow athletes alike.
Strong Showing in Women’s 400m and Men’s High Jump
The women’s 400m final saw Aishwarya Mishra make her own return to competitive racing after participating last in the National Games earlier this year. Showing no signs of rust, she clocked 54.25 seconds to secure first place. Sonia Baishya followed closely behind with 54.61 seconds, pushing Mishra till the finish.
In the men’s high jump, consistency continued to define Sarvesh Kushare’s season. Clearing 2.20 metres, he claimed his fourth competition this year above that height. His rhythm and timing on the day made the event a technical highlight for enthusiasts watching from the stands.
Lokhare Breaks Through in Javelin
One of the day’s most significant breakthroughs came from Shivam Lokhare, the 20-year-old javelin thrower who stunned many by launching the spear to 80.95 metres. This marked not only a personal best but also his first-ever throw beyond the 80m barrier. In doing so, Lokhare became the second-youngest Indian athlete after Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra to cross this elite threshold a moment that hints at the arrival of a potential future star.
Vishal TK Edges Out Amoj Jacob in Men’s 400m
The men’s 400m offered an unexpected result as Vishal TK outran the experienced Amoj Jacob. Vishal clinched the title with an impressive 46.02 seconds, while Jacob finished second in 46.59 seconds. The race underscored the depth in Indian quarter-mile running, as the younger athlete capitalised on strong form to hold off a more decorated competitor.
Other Standout Performances
The meet also delivered quality results across field and sprint events:
- In the men’s discus throw, Bharatpreet Singh of the Reliance Foundation secured gold with a throw of 53.04 metres, showing consistency in a discipline that often struggles for depth domestically.
- Rising sprinter Sakshi Chavan produced a personal best of 11.81 seconds to win the women’s 100m final, narrowly edging out National Games champion Sudeshna Shivankar, who clocked 11.89 seconds. The tight finish reflected the growing competition in Indian women’s sprinting.
A Day that Went Beyond Numbers
While the meet delivered competitive results and encouraging personal bests, it was the spirit of the event that stood out. Fans, athletes, and coaches were united in their support for Sreeshankar, whose journey back to competition became symbolic of the broader challenges athletes face and sometimes overcome.
His 8.05m jump may not have been a record, but for those watching, it represented hope and resilience on a humid Pune afternoon. Combined with young athletes like Lokhare stepping into the spotlight, the Indian Open Athletics Meet reaffirmed the sport’s ability to inspire and renew.
As the day drew to a close, the track and field at Savitribai Phule University had witnessed both comebacks and breakthroughs reminding everyone that in sport, sometimes the biggest victories happen beyond the medal podium.
