In an outstanding performance at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on August 27, the Indian quartet of Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Amoj Jacob, Muhammed Ajmal Variyathodi and Rajesh Ramesh clocked 2 minute 59.05 seconds to break Asian record and make the finals for the first time ever in history. The team finished second behind the USA (2:58:47). Japan had set the previous best Asian record of 2:59.51 in 2021.
As per the rules, the top three finishers in each of the two heats and the next two fastest qualify for the final. India’s timing was the second best overall across the two heats and the team competed against USA, Great Britain, Bostwana, Jamaica, France, Italy and Netherlands in the final on August 28. The team finished fifth in the final of the 2023 World Athletics Championships, clocking 2:59:92 seconds.
In the final, the USA claimed the gold, crossing the finish line with a remarkable time of 2:57.31 seconds. France came second with a time of 2:58.45 seconds, while Great Britain was third with 2:58.71 seconds.
In the qualifying stage, Rajesh even momentarily outpaced USA’s Justin Robinson in the anchor leg, leaving the audience in awe of the Indians’ extraordinary effort.
