India’s mixed 4x400m relay team achieved a historic feat by setting a new national record and clinching the gold medal at the inaugural Asian Relay Championships held on Monday. Despite their impressive performance, the team narrowly missed the qualification mark for the Paris Olympics.

The quartet comprising Muhammed Ajmal, Jyothika Sri Dandi, Amoj Jacob, and Subha Venkatesan clocked an impressive time of 3 minutes 14.12 seconds, surpassing the previous national record of 3:14.34 set during the Hangzhou Asian Games last year.

While celebrating their victory, the Indian team fell short of securing a spot in the Paris Olympics qualification bracket, aiming for the 15th or 16th position on the World Athletics Road to Paris list. With their current timing, India stands at the 21st place, indicating a challenging path ahead to qualify for the prestigious event.

The achievement highlights India’s growing prowess in athletics and underscores their competitive edge on the Asian stage. The team’s performance has garnered praise and recognition, setting a strong foundation for future competitions and aspirations in international athletics.

Despite the setback in Olympic qualification, the Indian athletes’ determination and record-breaking performance reflect their dedication and potential to excel on the global athletics platform.