Finance
The Indian men’s 4x400m relay team made a splash at the World Athletics Championships here, coming second to the US in the semifinal heat, setting an Asian record and qualifying for the final.
On Saturday, when the men’s 4x400m relay event entered the final leg of the first semifinal, there was a buzz in the stadium as India battled the USA for the finish line.
Though the USA team of Trevor Bassitt, Matthew Boling, Christopher Bailey, and Justin Robinson finally won the heat in 2:58.47, India finished second in 2:59.05.
The Indian quartet of Muhammad Anas Yahiya, Amoj Jacob, Muhammad Ajmal Variathodi, and Rajes Ramesh set a new Asian record by running in under 3 minutes. The Indian team beat Japan’s previous record of 2:29.51 established at last year’s World Championship in Eugene, USA.
On Saturday, India was followed by the United Kingdom and Botswana, who both finished in 2:59.42. Britain earned the third automatic qualifying position, but Botswana advanced due to time constraints.
Jamaica won the second semifinal in 2:59.82, and they’ll be joined in the final by individual champion Antonio Watson.
France finished second, followed by Italy and the Netherlands, who all advanced to the final.
However, the Indian team was the spotlight on Saturday as it was placed second overall, with a timing faster than sprint powerhouse Jamaica.
Source:IANS
