Injury, Incentives and Interstate Switch: Murali Shrisankar’s Appeal to Kerala

Murali Shrisankar, the Indian long jumper who secured silver medals at the 2022 and 2026 Asian Games, raised alarm bells over Kerala’s stagnant sports ecosystem during a recent press interaction. The athlete, who endured an ankle fracture in Nagoya, is scheduled for surgery at Fortis Hospital in London, a procedure fully funded by the Sports Authority of India and the Athletics Federation of India.

While praising his own perseverance, Shrisankar turned the spotlight on systemic shortcomings. He argued that other South Indian states have dramatically amplified their sports budgets, infrastructure, and athlete incentives over the last ten years, leaving Kerala trailing.

“The incentive amount we receive in Kerala is merely a fraction of what our peers get in Tamil Nadu or Karnataka. The disparity is evident in the number of zeroes,” he illustrated. “Even with a recent increase, we are still far behind.”

Facing this reality, Shrisankar disclosed that he holds a valid eligibility to represent Tamil Nadu, should the state’s athletics federation extend an invitation. Though no official offer exists, the possibility remains open, and he may file for a No‑Objection Certificate if Kerala’s administration fails to act.

He concluded with a clear demand: Kerala must revamp its funding mechanisms and improve facilities, or risk losing its brightest talent to more supportive neighbouring states.