World Athletics Relays: Indian men’s and women’s 4x400m relay teams seal Paris Olympics berth

Indian athletics seem to be peaking at the right time, with men’s and women’s 4x400m relay teams qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Following a below-par first-round heat where both teams finished outside the top three, both managed to secure the second position in their respective races at the ongoing World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas to book their tickets for Summer Games starting July 26.

While the women’s quartet of Rupal Chaudhary, M R Poovamma, Jyothika Sri Dandi and Subha Venkatesan was the first of two to make headlines with the timing of 3 minutes and 29.35 seconds to finish second behind Jamaica (3:28.54), the men’s side put the ghost of first-round heat behind to realise their dream of making it to the Paris Olympics.

Considering the top teams in each of the three heats in the second round were to seal the Olympics berth, the women’s side stayed ahead of heavyweights like Brazil, Germany, and Colombia in the five-team race.

After Rupal, 19, replaced Vithya Ramraj for the Olympic qualifying race, the Indian team got off to a decent start. The German side was leading the race, putting early pressure on the women in blue. However, after a massive mix-up within the German team followed by Jyothika’s sensational second leg, the Indian team were in control of the situation. Later, solid runs from Poovamma and Subha ensured the women’s team stayed second and bagged the quota.

Men’s team following the women’s team

Following the first-round disappointment, where leg runner Rajesh Ramesh pulled out midway due to cramps, with the team finishing nowhere near the required mark, let alone registering a time, the men’s quartet of Muhammed Anas, Muhammed Ajmal, Arokia, and Amoj Jacob clocked a season-best of 3:03.23 to confirm their automatic qualification for the Summer Games.

During the qualifying race, India needed a solid start from Anas in the absence of their anchorman, which he did. Ajmal led the second leg, keeping India’s nose ahead of Kenya and Mexico. Arokia stepped in at a crucial time, avoiding mishaps during a crowded baton exchange.

However, Amoj got the hang of the situation, and although he had some catching up to do, he kept India’s stance in control and, with an excellent run, stayed ahead of the Mexicans to finish second.

Notably, 19 Indian athletes across all categories have secured the 2024 Olympic Games quota, including the defending gold medallist Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra.