Selva Prabhu, who recently secured a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, expressed that food poisoning hindered his chances of winning gold. The Indian triple jumper achieved a jump of 16.52 metres in the men’s final, finishing behind his fellow countryman, Praveen Chithravel, who jumped 16.58 metres, and Scotland’s Jordon Scott, who claimed gold with a performance of 16.72 metres.

In an interview with PTI upon his return from Glasgow on August 3, 2026, Selva revealed that he experienced significant health issues during the competition. Despite his condition, he made the decision to compete, demonstrating his resilience and determination.

Selva reflected on his aspirations for a gold medal, acknowledging that the food poisoning affected his performance. “I wish I should have gotten that gold. I was really hoping for gold but what can be done when the competition begins and there is illness and food poisoning?” he remarked, emphasising his mental fortitude that led him to push through the discomfort.

Impact of Illness on Performance

Prabhu noted that the illness limited his ability to perform at his optimum level during the competition. With a personal best of 17.05 metres, he believed he could have bettered the winning jump had he been in good health. “In the end, there is always a cost to yourself,” he added, indicating that maintaining fitness is crucial for peak performance.

He acknowledged the importance of health in athletics and expressed a desire to work on his technique in preparation for future competitions. “I should have stayed healthy, but it’s for the next time I’m always ready,” he explained. His commitment to improvement is evident in his focus on refining his approach in the coming period.

Selva conveyed that each competition is a new challenge, reinforcing the necessity for consistent performances. “It’s all about that particular day. I just always want to stay healthy,” he stated, highlighting the unpredictable nature of competitive sports.

Future Aspirations and Qualification Goals

Looking ahead, Selva Prabhu has turned his attention to the upcoming Asian Games, although he emphasized the importance of securing qualification first. “I live each day. Each day requires a new performance. You cannot simply target a gold like that,” he said, indicating a methodical approach towards his athletic career.

He recently finished third at the National Inter-State Championships with a jump of 16.79 metres, which comfortably met the Athletics Federation of India’s (AFI) qualifying standard of 16.28 metres for the Asian Games. However, he acknowledged that his selection for the Indian squad is contingent on the AFI’s final decisions, which remain pending.

Selva’s determination to progress in his career reflects in his focused mindset as he prepares for future competitions. By prioritising consistency and health, he aims to enhance his performance in subsequent events, including the prospective Asian Games in 2026.

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