The upcoming Open 400m meet at NCOE Trivandrum on March 21 has taken on added significance, not just as a standalone event but as a key selection trial for India’s relay squads ahead of the Invitational Relay in Chandigarh on March 28.
However, the release of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) bib list has thrown up a major talking point the absence of several top Indian quarter-milers, particularly in the women’s field.
Notable Absentees Raise Questions
The women’s 400m event will see several prominent names missing, including Rupal, Subha Venkatesan, Jisna Mathew, Kiran Pahal, and Neeru Pathak. All five athletes have been part of India’s recent 4x400m relay pool and their absence significantly alters the competitive landscape of the event.
Their absence could be due to a variety of factors injury management, training cycles, or strategic planning ahead of a long season but it also opens the door for other athletes to step up in what is effectively a selection race for relay spots.
Strong Names Still Headline Women’s Field
Despite the missing names, the women’s field still boasts considerable depth. One of the most notable entrants is Jyothika Sri Dandi, who returns after missing the previous season due to injury. She was the second-fastest Indian quarter-miler in 2024, and her presence adds both quality and intrigue to the race.
Also in the lineup is Hima Das, India’s national record holder, whose experience and pedigree make her a key figure in any selection scenario. Alongside her is Aishwarya Mishra, who emerged as the fastest Indian 400m runner last season, and will be keen to maintain her momentum.
The field is further strengthened by experienced names such as Vithya Ramraj, Prachi, and M.R. Poovamma, all of whom have contributed to India’s relay setups in recent years. With multiple athletes vying for limited spots, the competition promises to be both intense and decisive.
Relay Qualification at Stake
The stakes are particularly high given India’s current position in the World Relays qualification standings. The Indian women’s 4x400m relay team is currently ranked 25th, just outside the qualification cutoff of 24 teams. India’s best time of 3:34.18, recorded at the Asian Athletics Championships 2025, leaves them narrowly behind the qualification mark. To break into the top 24, the team will need to surpass Colombia’s 3:33.29.
This makes the Trivandrum meet critical, as performances here will influence team selection and potentially shape India’s relay strategy heading into Chandigarh.
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The men’s 400m event is equally significant, featuring a large field of 67 athletes, including several of India’s top performers. Leading the entries are Rajesh Ramesh, Amoj Jacob, Muhammed Anas, and Muhammed Ajmal all established names in Indian quarter-mile running. Their presence ensures a high-quality competition with strong depth across the field.
The event also includes athletes such as Dharamveer, Tushar Manna, and Mijo Chacko, who will be looking to challenge the established order and stake their claim for relay selection.
Men’s Relay Qualification Scenario
India’s men’s 4x400m relay team is currently ranked 26th in the world, with a season-best time of 3:03.67 from the Asian Athletics Championships 2025.
To secure a place in the top 24 and qualify, the team will need to better Mexico’s 3:03.47, a narrow but significant margin that highlights how competitive the qualification race has become. As with the women’s event, the Trivandrum meet will play a key role in identifying the athletes capable of delivering under pressure in a relay setup.
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While the absence of several top athletes in the women’s event is notable, it also creates an opportunity for emerging runners to make a statement. Selection trials often serve as turning points in an athlete’s career, and this meet could see new names break into India’s relay pool.
For the coaching staff and selectors, the challenge will be to identify not just the fastest individuals, but the combination that can deliver the best collective performance in a relay context.
With the Invitational Relay in Chandigarh just a week away, the performances in Trivandrum will carry immediate consequences. The margins for qualification are narrow, and every fraction of a second will matter. As Indian athletics continues to push toward global competitiveness, events like these serve as crucial checkpoints testing depth, resilience, and readiness.
Whether it is established stars returning to form or new contenders stepping up, the Open 400m meet is set to play a defining role in shaping India’s relay ambitions for the season.
Inputs from NNIS
