Murali Sreeshankar wins long jump at Simbine Classic 2026, Pretoria; Breached AFI Asian Games qualifying standard at 7.91m

Murali Sreeshankar pips Olympic medallist to win long jump title at South African athletics meet

The Indian long jumper took the title in Pretoria with an 8.12m effort ahead of local favourites Divan Manuel and Rio 2016 silver medallist Luvo Manyonga.

Asian Gamessilver medallistMurali Sreeshankarcontinued his strong start to the season by winning the men’slong jumptitle at theSimbine Classic 2026athletics meet in Pretoria, South Africa, on Tuesday.

Competing at the Pilditch Stadium, the 27-year-oldIndian athletewon the competition with a leap of 8.12m, ahead of South African duo Divan Manuel (8.07m) and Rio 2016 silver medallist Luvo Manyonga (7.86m).

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The Simbine Classic 2026 is a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver, Category B level event.

Murali Sreeshankar’s personal best is 8.41m, which came at the Indian Championships three years ago. Jeswin Aldrin holds the men’s long jumpnational recordwith 8.42m.

This was Murali Sreeshankar’s second competitive outing of the season having also won the first Indian Athletics Series earlier this month in Bengaluru, where he leapt 8.15m.

With it, Sreeshankar also breached the Athletics Federation of India’sAsian Games qualifying standardof 7.91m.

However, breaching the AFI mark does not guarantee a place in India’s Asian Games contingent.

Under the AFI selection process, athletes must compete in a minimum of three domestic competitions - including mandatory participation at state championships.

Picture by 2022 Getty Images