The Indian mixed 4x400m relay team, once a promising contender for the Paris Olympics 2024, has recently slipped to the 23rd position in the Road to Paris Rankings. This development comes as a significant setback for the team, which had earlier shown immense potential.
4x400m relay teams journey in World Athletics relay
The team’s journey began on a high note, with the men’s and women’s 4x400m teams qualifying for the Paris Olympics 2024 after finishing second in their respective second-round heats at the World Athletics Relays. The men’s team, consisting of Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Rajesh Ramesh, Muhammed Ajmal, and Amoj Jacob, had put up a commendable performance. The women’s team, comprising Rupal Chaudhary, MR Poovamma, Jyothika Sri Dandi, and Subha Venkatesan, also showcased their prowess.
However, the path to the Paris Olympics 2024 became challenging for the Indian 4x400m relay teams after a disappointing first day at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24. In the men’s 4x400m relay, the second-leg runner, Rajesh Ramesh, had to pull out of the race due to muscle cramps. This unfortunate incident led to the Indian men’s 4x400m team failing to finish its heat race.
The mixed 4x400m and women’s 4x400m teams also faced hurdles, finishing in the 25th and 13th spots, respectively, and failing to secure a qualification. Despite these setbacks, the teams still have a chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024. The teams that finished outside of the top two in their respective heats will compete for a spot.
India didn't feature in Mixed 4x400m Heat on day 2.
On opening day, Rajesh got injured.
Our Mixed Relay team's only path to the Olympics now is through the Top Lists on 30th June, where 2 quotas are up for grabs. 🏃♀️🏃♂️👊#WorldRelays #WorldRelays2024 #Athletics pic.twitter.com/48q9FSCVV8
— Khel Now (@KhelNow) May 6, 2024
The recent slip of the Indian 4x400m mixed relay team to the 23rd position in the Road to Paris Rankings is indeed a setback. However, it’s important to remember that the journey to the Olympics is filled with ups and downs. The team’s spirit and determination to bounce back from this setback will be crucial in the upcoming events.
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