The United State of America has been the most successful country in the championship. There are 17 editions so far, the American has 170 Gold, 117 Silver, and 94 Bronze. The country is at number one in the overall medal table with 381 medals. Similarly, Kenya is second with 151 medals including 60 gold. India has won only a medal so far until the 17 editions. India’s record in track and field events is not so good. The World Cup of Track and Field, ie the World Athletics Championships, is starting here in Eugene Today. It will run till July 24. For the first time in the championship’s 39-year history, it is taking place in the United State.
Around 2000 athletes from 200 countries are set to participate in 50 events (49+1 teams). A 21-member contingent from India is participating in this tournament held every two years. India has hopes from its players to end the 19-year medal drought this time. The last and only time our country won a medal in the tournament was in 2003. Then our women long jumper Anju Bobby George won bronze in Paris by jumping 6.70 meters. This time, including Neeraj Chopra, India has medal high hopes from Indian players.
Murali Sreeshankar: Long jumper
The Indian fans will also keep eye on the long Jumper from India, Murali Sreeshankar who jumped more than last time’s bronze medalist.
This will be the 23-year-old Indian hope long jump player’s first major tournament since the Tokyo Olympics. Murali came into the limelight for the first time in 2018, when he made a national record by jumping 8.20m. There is consistency in No.13 Murli’s performance this year.
Sreeshankar is jumping more than 8 meters continuously. He got succeeded to jumps 8.36m and 8.31m. The bronze medal of the last championship had come in 8.34 meters. Murali can do better than 8.34, which may insure the medal.
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