Who is Abdulla Aboobacker, The Indian Athlete Competing in Men's Triple Jump Event at Paris Olympics 2024?

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Abdulla Aboobacker is an Indian athlete specializing in the triple jump event and is all set to compete at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Wednesday (August 7).

Born on 17 January 1996 in Nadapuram, Kerala, he has gained recognition for his athletic prowess, particularly after winning a silver medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022, where he achieved a remarkable jump of 17.02 meters (55.8 feet).

Early Life

At the age of 14, Abdulla left his home in Kozhikode, Kerala, to pursue training in sprinting at Kalladi Higher Secondary School in Palakkad. Initially interested in volleyball and football, he explored various athletic disciplines, including sprints, long jump, high jump, shot put, and hurdles.

He eventually found his true calling in the triple jump, a decision he made in 2012 due to the lack of competition in that discipline. Throughout his early career, he faced several challenges, including a significant ankle injury in 2015 that sidelined him from competitions in 2016, as well as minor injuries affecting his heel and back over the next four years.

Personal Life

Abdulla has had a passion for sports from a young age, initially showing interest in volleyball and football before discovering athletics. His journey into athletics began during school selection trials for sprinting events. With the opening of a sports hostel near his home, he seized the opportunity to pursue sports more seriously.

Despite facing financial challenges, with his father working as a helper in a juice shop in the Gulf, Abdulla's family supported his dreams without pressuring him to quit. His early years were marked by a determination to succeed, even as he navigated through injuries and setbacks.

Athletics Career

Abdulla's athletic career took off after he switched to triple jump, where he quickly began to dominate the Kerala state circuit. He won the Asian School Championships title in 2013 and became the National Junior Champion in 2015. However, his progress was hindered by injuries that plagued him from 2015 to 2019.

Despite these challenges, he was recruited by the Indian Air Force in 2018, which provided him with financial stability and a new coach. He later trained at the Sports Authority of India in Bengaluru, honing his skills in triple jump.

His achievements include winning a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games with a jump of 17.02 meters and securing 10th place at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon with a jump of 16.45 meters.

In 2024, he achieved eighth place at the Xiamen Diamond League in China and was selected to represent India in the men's triple jump at the Paris Olympics.