India’s men’s 4x400m relay team produced one of their most decisive performances in recent times at the National Open Relay Competition in Chandigarh, clocking an outstanding 3:01.43 to not only win the event but also all but confirm qualification for the World Relays 2026 in Gaborone.
In a race where qualification margins were razor-thin and pressure was high, the quartet of Manu TS, Amoj Jacob, Dharamveer Chaudhary, and Rajesh Ramesh executed their race plan with precision, delivering a time that should comfortably place them inside the top 24 in the Road to Gaborone rankings.
A Performance Built on Balance
What stood out in this performance was not just the timing, but the structure of the run. Unlike relay teams that rely heavily on one or two standout legs, India’s effort was built on balance across all four runners. Manu TS opened the race with control, ensuring India stayed within contention without expending excessive energy. His split laid the foundation, allowing Amoj Jacob to build momentum in the second leg a role he has consistently executed with reliability over the years.
Dharamveer Chaudhary, running the third leg, maintained composure under pressure, holding off challenges and ensuring a smooth transition into the anchor leg. Rajesh Ramesh then delivered a strong finish, closing the race with authority to secure both victory and a crucial qualification time.
Heading into the competition, India needed a time faster than 3:03.42 to break into the World Relays qualification zone. Their previous best of 3:03.67 had left them just outside the cut.
The 3:01.43 effort not only surpasses that mark but does so convincingly, likely pushing India up to around 16th place in the global standings. This provides a comfortable buffer with the qualification deadline approaching, reducing the uncertainty that often surrounds last-minute qualification attempts.
From a strategic standpoint, achieving this mark early allows the team to shift focus from qualification to performance refinement ahead of the World Relays.
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Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of this performance is that it came without Vishal TK, the national record holder. His absence did not disrupt the team’s rhythm, highlighting the depth that has developed in India’s quarter-mile circuit.
The current quartet demonstrated that India now has multiple athletes capable of delivering sub-46-second splits consistently. This depth is crucial not just for qualification, but for sustaining performance across rounds in international competitions. With Vishal likely to return to the lineup, India now has the flexibility to rotate and optimise combinations based on form and race conditions.
While 3:01.43 is a strong time, it also opens the conversation around the next benchmark breaking the 3-minute barrier and go close to the national record. For Indian athletics, a sub-3 performance would represent a significant leap, placing the team firmly among the global elite.
Given the current trajectory, this target no longer appears distant. Incremental improvements in individual splits, combined with sharper baton exchanges, could realistically bring the team within touching distance of that mark.
Beyond raw speed, the race reflected tactical maturity. The athletes maintained lane discipline, controlled their pace transitions, and executed baton exchanges cleanly areas that have historically been inconsistent in Indian relay performances.
The ability to deliver under qualification pressure also speaks to improved mental conditioning within the squad. Unlike previous campaigns where nerves have played a role, this was a composed, calculated effort.
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Qualification for the World Relays is more than just an achievement it is a gateway. A strong showing in Gaborone could open pathways to global championships and provide invaluable exposure against top-tier competition. For India, the men’s 4x400m relay has long been one of the most promising events. This performance reinforces that status and positions the team as a serious contender in the upcoming international season.
The Chandigarh run was not just about meeting a qualification standard it was about sending a message. India’s men’s 4x400m relay team is not merely participating; it is evolving into a unit capable of competing at a higher level. With a solid core, increasing depth, and clear upward momentum, the focus now shifts from qualification to ambition.
If this performance is any indication, India’s quarter-milers are ready for the next stage.
