Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated India’s men’s 4x400m relay team, calling their run in the qualifiers a truly historical event. India smashed the Asian record in the men’s 4x400m relay event at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
PM Modi took to social media to congratulate India’s men’s 4x400m relay team ahead of the final on Sunday, saying their run will be remembered as a triumphant comeback.
“Incredible teamwork at the World Athletics Championships! Anas, Amoj, Rajesh Ramesh and Muhammed Ajmal sprinted into the finals, setting a new Asian Record in the M 4X400m Relay. This will be remembered as a triumphant comeback, truly historical for Indian athletics,” PM Modi posted on social media platform X.
The World Athletics Championships witnessed a thrilling performance by the Indian men's 4x400m relay team. India was placed in Heat 1 alongside favorites USA, and finished second in their heat to qualify for the finals on August 27.
India
started off with Muhammed Anas Yahiya in sixth place after the first run. But a magnificent run by Amoj Jacob propelled India to second place. Muhammed Ajmal Variyathodi and Rajesh Ramesh not only maintained that precious advantage but also orchestrated a mesmerizing performance that shattered the Asian record, clocking an astonishing 2:59.05s. The earlier Asian record of 2:59.51s was held by Japan.
Remarkably, Rajesh even momentarily outpaced USA's Justin Robinson in the anchor leg, leaving the world in awe of the Indians' extraordinary effort. India finished close behind leaders USA, who clocked in at 2:58:47s.
India finished ahead of Great Britain and Botswana in third and fourth place, with both the teams clocking in at 2:59:42s. India gained automatic qualification for Sunday’s finals by finishing in the top-four teams of their heat.
In the second heat, Jamaica (2:59:82s), France (3:00:05s) and Italy (3:00:14s) gained automatic qualification, while Netherlands (3:00:23s) grabbed the non-automatic spot.