Glasgow: India’s Murali Sreeshankar (PTI Photo/Ravi Choudhary)

India’s Murali Sreeshankar clinched the silver medal in the men’s long jump at the Commonwealth Games 2026, producing a best leap of 8.09m in a fiercely contested final on Thursday. The Indian star led the competition after the opening three rounds but eventually settled for 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 centimetre behind Sreeshankar. The medal added another significant success to India’s athletics campaign in Glasgow.

Sreeshankar leads early before Gayle strikes

Sreeshankar made an excellent start to the final, opening with a brilliant 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 was also in contention after recording 7.97m, sitting fourth midway through the competition.

Gayle produces championship-winning jump

The contest took a dramatic turn in the fourth round when Gayle produced a superb leap of 8.15m to snatch the lead. Sreeshankar responded with what appeared to be a massive jump 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 would have comfortably crossed 8.20m, highlighting just how close the Indian came to reclaiming the lead.

Final round ends India’s Gold hopes

Heading into the sixth and final round, Sreeshankar still had an opportunity to overtake Gayle. Scotland’s Mackenzie, who jumped before the Indian, managed 8.06m on his final attempt, leaving his best mark at 8.08m and securing the bronze medal.Sreeshankar’s final effort measured 7.97m, meaning his opening jump of 8.09m remained his best of the competition. Gayle, already assured of gold, could not improve on his last attempt but comfortably held on to the title.

Lokesh Impresses 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 over his remaining attempts.

Final Standings