India’s 400m scene has a new standard-bearer. Rajesh Ramesh stormed to victory in the men’s one-lap final at the 64th National Open Athletics Championships with a season-best 45.75 seconds, reinforcing his status as one of the country’s most consistent quarter-milers and ending his domestic season on a high.
The 25-year-old from Tamil Nadu produced a perfectly judged race at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium, surging out strongly in the opening 200 metres before holding his form down the home straight to edge a competitive field. His win not only secured the national title but also marked several key milestones: it was his third sub-46 performance of 2025, the seventh of his career, made him the second-fastest Indian this year behind only Vishal TK, and was his season’s best time—just 0.21 seconds shy of his personal best of 45.54s set in July.
Rajesh’s victory in Ranchi capped a year defined by remarkable steadiness. After opening his season with 45.77s at the Indian Grand Prix 1, he followed with 45.97s at the Indian Open Athletics Meet, and now lowered his season mark to 45.75s. For a 400m runner, the ability to repeatedly dip under 46 seconds is a hallmark of world-class fitness and training. Among Indian athletes, only Vishal TK has managed more sub-46 performances in 2025, underscoring Rajesh’s elite consistency.
The Race in Ranchi
From the gun, Rajesh displayed the poise of a seasoned campaigner. He attacked the back straight with smooth strides, hitting the 200m mark in a controlled split that kept him clear of the chasing pack. As the field entered the final bend, Karnataka’s Santhosh Kumar and Services’ Rashid tried to close the gap, but Rajesh maintained his cadence, powering through the final 50 metres to cross the line with daylight to spare.
Santhosh claimed silver with an impressive 46.05s, his own season best, while Rashid delighted neutral fans by slashing his personal best from 46.99 to 46.23s for bronze. The trio’s performances reflected the growing depth in Indian men’s 400m racing, where finals now routinely feature athletes capable of mid-46s or faster.
Chasing National and Asian Standards
Rajesh’s 45.75 places him second on the Indian 2025 list behind Vishal TK, who remains the only other athlete to dip below 45.70 this season. While still short of the Indian national record of 45.21 set by Muhammed Anas in 2019, Rajesh’s consistency and ability to peak late in the season strengthen his case for upcoming Asian competitions and relay selections. India’s men’s 4x400m relay squad has been a continental force in recent years, and Rajesh is expected to remain a key member heading toward the 2026 Asian Indoor Championships and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle. His current form suggests he can be relied upon for sub-46 relay splits, a crucial asset in tight international races.
Rajesh first burst onto the national scene in 2022 with a string of mid-46 performances that hinted at his potential. By 2023 he had cemented his place in the national relay pool, gaining valuable experience on the Asian circuit. The breakthrough came in July 2024 when he clocked a personal best 45.54s, propelling him into the top tier of Indian quarter-milers historically.
This year’s performances reaffirm that 2024 was no outlier. Instead, Rajesh has built on that momentum with a training program emphasizing strength endurance and race rhythm. His ability to hold top speed through the final 100m a key differentiator in the 400m was evident again in Ranchi, where he resisted a late charge from Santhosh without tightening up.
For Rajesh Ramesh, the next challenge will be translating domestic dominance into international success. Regular sub-46 clockings position him well for continental finals, but to challenge for Asian medals, he will need to approach or break the 45.20 barrier that defines world-class 400m running. His 2025 season, however, provides every reason for optimism: a healthy body, a stable training base, and a growing résumé of high-pressure performances. As the sun set over Ranchi, Rajesh stood atop the podium with quiet satisfaction.
In a year where Indian quarter-miling continues to surge, his third sub-46 run of 2025 not only secured another gold medal but also reinforced his standing as one of the nation’s most reliable and exciting one-lap runners. With the Los Angeles Olympic cycle gathering pace, India’s quest for a sub-45 performer may one day rest on the shoulders of athletes like Rajesh Ramesh steady, fearless, and fast when it matters most.
