In a remarkable display of speed and endurance, India's men's and women's 4x400m relay teams secured their places at the Paris Olympics, demonstrating athletic prowess at the World Athletics Relays. This achievement was clinched on Monday, with both teams finishing second in their respective heats during the crucial second round of the competition.
The women's relay team, consisting of Rupal Chaudhary, M R Poovamma, Jyothika Sri Dandi, and Subha Venkatesan, put forth an exceptional performance. They recorded a time of 3 minutes and 29.35 seconds, narrowly trailing behind Jamaica's leading time of 3:28.54. This stellar effort not only earned them a well-deserved second place in the first heat but also secured their qualification for the prestigious Paris Games, marking a significant milestone in their athletic careers.
Following in the footsteps of their female counterparts, the men's team also showcased their competitive spirit and team synergy. The quartet -Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Muhammed Ajmal, Arokia Rajiv, and Amoj Jacob -completed their race in 3 minutes and 3.23 seconds. Their performance secured them the runner-up position behind the USA, who led the heat with a time of 2:59.95. The men's team's success was particularly poignant given their challenging start in the competition, where they had initially failed to complete the first-round qualifying heat due to an unfortunate incident of cramps affecting second leg runner Rajesh Ramesh.
These qualifications are part of a larger narrative of triumph for Indian athletics, as the country now proudly boasts 19 track and field athletes bound for the Paris Olympics. This illustrious group includes the defending javelin throw champion, Neeraj Chopra, among other talented individuals.
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