The Indian men’s 4x400m relay team, aiming for a spot in the Olympics final at the Stade de France, fell short despite a spirited effort and a season-best time. Comprised of Muhammed Anas, Muhammed Ajmal, Amoj Jacob, and Rajesh Ramesh, the team clocked 3:00.58, finishing fourth behind France, Belgium, and Italy in the second heat. Only the top three teams in each heat qualified for the final.
The Indian team faced setbacks throughout the race. Anas completed the first leg in eighth place, clocking 45.79. Ajmal, the fastest runner of the four, encountered multiple obstacles, getting blocked by Spanish and South African athletes, before handing the baton to Jacob in fourth place. Jacob then overtook his Spanish and Italian rivals before being overtaken by Italian Alessandro Sibilio in the final 50 meters, securing the team a fourth-place finish. Rajesh, running the final leg, narrowly missed overtaking the Italian Edoardo Scotti.
India’s final position was further complicated when the Nigerian team was disqualified, promoting India to fourth. However, despite the improved placing, the team’s disappointment remained as they had missed out on the coveted final spot.
“There is no point in getting the season’s best,” said Jacob. “The target was to go to the top three. We (Ajmal) got stuck in the block. So, there was a speed variation.”
The Indian women’s 4x400m relay team also failed to advance, finishing eighth in their heat with a time of 3:32.51. This result concluded India’s athletics campaign at the Paris Olympics.
