Sharif, the saint-like player who proved that ‘good boys’ never lag behind
Having such a son, the parents called themselves lucky.
His mother K.S. Bijimol herself is a former 800m sprinter. He was quoted by the Indian Express as saying, “We are fortunate to have a son like Shank. He is so humble and respectful towards everyone and that is the reason why he has reached here. He is like that from school. We got him from him. Never had a problem.”
Father and coach Murali also said the same, “He never held back from hard work. He never looked for excuses or shortcuts. I hardly ever had to raise my voice on him.”
Father is troubled by just one habit
But Sreeshankar has a habit that bothers Murali.
“He doesn’t like any kind of music during training. He hates it. He yells at me if I reach for my phone to play something during this. Music ban during training was imposed by Sreeshankar There is an unofficial rule, which over the years has followed the advice of your parents.
There is a strict “no television after 11” rule that applies to all family members.
Topper in studies as well as sports
It was only after he turned 18 that he was allowed to join Facebook and use WhatsApp and much later Instagram. Sreeshankar has never made a fuss about these restrictions and in fact believes that it has helped him focus better on sports. “My father knows what’s best for me.”
Another thing that his father strongly believes is to give priority to studies. Despite his hectic schedule, Sreeshankar didn’t let his academic marks down. He takes his study material wherever he goes for the competition. Murali has scored above 95% in class 10th and 12th.
He has to focus on his studies too
In the engineering entrance examination, he stood second in the sports quota in his state. Also his NEET score would have got him a medical seat in any premier college in Kerala. But Sreeshankar had other plans and decided to take up BSc Maths instead.
Murali says, “Many of my friends who were with me in athletics are now unemployed. He has to focus on his studies to ensure a secure future. That’s what happens in India.”
Sister is also getting popular because of brother
Sister Sriparvati says that Srishankar is a very caring elder brother. “He never fights with anyone other than me at home or outside. We have some sort of squabbles going on, but he’s too good for me.”
Bahar is currently pursuing medical studies from Trivandrum. Already, Sreeshankar has a large number of fans in that college. “We watch all his shows together. He calls me on video sometimes and says hello to my friends too. I am getting popular because of him.”
The ‘good boys’ never lag behind
When Sreeshankar gets some time between competitions, he prefers to “party” with friends. Sreeshankar elaborates the meaning of his party saying, “We just meet and have some snacks and fruit juice. Some of my friends drink and smoke but they never call me because they know I don’t.” Will come. Even when I organize a party there is no alcohol at all. Never.”
