What was supposed to be a medal march turned into a moment of heartbreak in 4×100 relay for Indian athletics.
At the Asian Athletics Championships 2025, the Indian men’s 4x100m relay team was disqualified in the heats after a baton exchange error between Pranav Pramod Gurav and Ragul Kumar Ganesh Kumar.
The violation occurred during the crucial first exchange, with the baton being passed outside the designated takeover zone, as per World Athletics Rule 24.19.
The rule is clear and unforgiving: “The baton exchange must occur within the designated takeover zone.” Failure to comply with this results in automatic disqualification — regardless of speed, position, or potential.
This error comes as a massive blow for a team brimming with potential. Having recently clocked a stunning 38.69 seconds, setting a new National Record and registering the fourth-fastest time in Asia this season, expectations were sky-high. India was seen as a strong medal contender, with the relay squad one of the most exciting units to watch.
The Exchange That Ended the Dream
The problem unfolded during the first baton exchange, when debutant Pranav handed the baton to fellow newcomer Ragul outside the permissible 30-metre zone. Such errors are not just costly — they are defining. A millisecond misjudgment in timing, a miscalculated stride, or a lapse in communication can ruin months of preparation. And that’s exactly what happened here.
To complicate matters, this team had already undergone a change in composition from the one that broke the national record. Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur, who were part of the record-breaking quartet along with Manikanta and Amlan Borgohain, were rested or replaced in Gumi’s heat. Their spots were filled by Pranav and Ragul — both promising athletes but relatively new to high-pressure baton exchanges on the continental stage.
A Painful Reminder of 2017
This isn’t the first time the Indian men’s 4x100m relay team has faced heartbreak at a major Asian event. At the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships held in Bhubaneswar, India was similarly disqualified due to a baton-related mishap. That episode, like this one, served as a harsh reminder: speed is vital, but precision is non-negotiable in relay events.
The Indian athletics community will now be asking tough but necessary questions: Was the decision to alter a record-setting team wise? Did the quartet have enough practice sessions together before such a critical competition? And most importantly, how can India ensure this doesn’t happen again?
A Mixed Picture of Promise and Pain
Despite the setback, there are some positives that cannot be ignored. India’s 38.69 seconds — set just days before — came without two of the country’s most seasoned sprinters. It was a performance that underlined the growing depth in Indian sprinting. The fact that a second-string team came close to matching that level indicates strong bench strength.
But relays are as much about cohesion and rhythm as they are about raw speed. The chemistry between runners — especially during baton exchanges — comes only through consistent practice and repetition. It’s no coincidence that the best relay squads in the world train together for months, perfecting the art of the exchange.
This heartbreak should be seen not as the end of the road but as a moment for reflection and recalibration. A batch of relay runners, particularly in the 100m relay pool, must be identified and allowed to train together consistently. Rotating squads may work in sprints, but for relays, continuity and familiarity often matter more than marginal gains in speed.
Moreover, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) must consider investing in relay-specific camps and hiring expert baton coaches who can instill the habits and routines that reduce such errors. The focus must shift from individual performances to seamless teamwork.
The Nation Still Believes
For Pranav, Ragul, Manikanta, and Amlan — this disqualification will sting. But let it also fuel their hunger. Let this serve as a stepping stone to stronger, sharper performances in the future.
To the young relay squad: the nation saw your potential. The heartbreak is real, but so is the belief in your comeback. India will return stronger — not just with faster sprinters, but with tighter baton exchanges, better preparation, and the resilience that defines champions.
Chin up, boys. This isn’t the finish line. It’s just a tough bend on the track. 🇮🇳💪
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