The women’s quartet, consisting of Rupal Chaudhary, M R Poovamma, Jyothika Sri Dandi, and Subha Venkatesan, clocked a time of 3 minutes and 29.35 seconds, finishing second behind Jamaica (3:28.54) in their heat.This result ensured their qualification for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Similarly, the men’s squad, comprising Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Muhammed Ajmal, Arokia Rajiv, and Amoj Jacob, also finished second in their heat with a time of 3 minutes and 3.23 seconds, trailing behind the USA (2:59.95). The top two teams in each of the three heats in the second round were granted automatic qualification for the Paris Olympics, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11.
The Indian women’s team had previously finished fifth in the first-round qualifying heat on Sunday, clocking a time of 3 minutes and 29.74 seconds. Unfortunately, the men’s team was unable to finish their first-round qualifying heat due to second leg runner Rajesh Ramesh pulling out midway as a result of cramps.
With the successful qualification of the men’s and women’s 4x400m relay teams, India now boasts a total of 19 track and field athletes who have secured their spots for the Paris Olympics.
This list includes the reigning javelin throw champion, Neeraj Chopra, among other talented athletes. The athletics events at the Paris Games are set to commence on August 1, marking the beginning of an exciting and highly anticipated competition.
(Inputs from PTI)
