Indian men’s 4x400m relay team breaks Asian record, qualifies for World Championships final for first time

The Indian quartet of Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Amoj Jacob, Muhammed Ajmal Variyathodi and Rajesh Ramesh ran a stunning race to finish second in heat number one behind USA (2:58.47) to make it to the final.

Members of India’s Men’s 4 X 100-meters team celebrate a second place finish in a qualifying heat. | Photo Credit: Martin Meissner/AP

The Indian men’s 4x400m relay team shattered Asian record in a stunning race, clocking 2 minute 59.05 seconds to qualify for its maiden final round of the World Championships here on Saturday.

The Indian quartet of Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Amoj Jacob, Muhammed Ajmal Variyathodi and Rajesh Ramesh finished second in heat number one behind USA (2:58.47) to make it to the final to be held on Sunday.

Who saw this coming 😳

India punches its ticket to the men's 4x400m final with a huge Asian record of 2:59.05 👀#WorldAthleticsChampspic.twitter.com/fZ9lBqoZ4h

— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 26, 2023

The top three finishers in each of the two heats and the next two fastest qualify for the final.

The earlier Asian record of 2:59.51 was in the name of Japanese team.

The earlier national record was 3:00.25 set in 2021.

The Indians gave the world record holders Americans a run for their money, finishing closely behind them.

India eventually finished second overall also after the two heats, behind USA, but ahead of strong teams like Great Britain (3rd; 2:59.42) and Jamaica (5th; 2:59.82).