CHENNAI: WHEN Praveen Chithravel revealed his phone wallpaper of the medal with the Commonwealth Games logo engraved on it after winning gold at the Federation Cup in May, his intentions were made clear. A place in the podium at the Commonwealth Games.
In the 2022 edition in Birmingham, Chithravel had to see his compatriots take the podium after narrowly missing out on bronze. Then, Eldhose Paul (gold) and Abdulla Aboobacker (Silver) completed a 1-2 for India but Chithravel fell three centimetres short of bronze and a podium sweep.
But on Saturday, Chithravel entered the triple jump pit with one clear goal – get into the medal positions. Beginning with a 16.05m mark on the first attempt, he knew he had to do better. His competitor from Jamaica Jordan Scott, made early inroads into the top three. After beginning with a 16.52m jump in the first attempt, he then leapt 20 centimetres farther to record a 16.72m effort in the fourth attempt.
But Chithravel also made amends, by getting closer with a 16.58m leap. With two attempts remaining, the gold was still within reach. However, his best remained at that mark, and he had to settle for silver. While it is not gold, Chithravel will be delighted to end his four-year wait. In his career where he has hopped to history, this medal will have come at a time where is constantly trying to reinvent himself. Coach and former two-time World Championships medallist from Cuba Yoandri Betanzos will hope to make the most out of this medal. The next big target for Chithravel is the Asian Games in Japan. The jumper from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu will hope to change the colour of the metal from bronze in the Hangzhou edition in 2023.
Delightful debut for Selva
While Chithravel had to end his four-year-wait for a CWG medal, up-and-coming jumper Selva Prabhu marked his debut with a bronze medal. His best jump of 16.52m pipped Ethan Oliver of Australia (16.50m) to third.
Prabhu, who announced himself by winning a medal in the U20 World Championships in 2022, marked his rapid rise with a bronze medal. Earlier this year, he became only the fourth Indian to win a title in the United States’ NCAA Division 1 outdoor track and field championship with a leap of 16.92m. On Saturday, Selva had lift-off, as he recorded a 16.43m effort. But his best jump came in the fifth attempt. After seeing Chithravel and Scott take the top two, third place was up for grabs. The jumper from Madurai did not miss out on the chance and sealed third. Oliver however, did not record any attempts after 16.50m.
India’s command over this discipline at the quadrennial event continues.