India's Mixed 4x400m Relay Team Misses Olympic Qualification by a Second

The Indian mixed 4x400m relay team missed qualifying for the Paris Olympics by just one second despite breaking the national record. Although other Indian athletes showed strong performances, the relay team fell short of the target time needed to secure a spot at the Games.

On the final day of the National Inter-State Championships, the Indian mixed 4x400m relay team fell short of qualifying for the Paris Olympics by a mere second, despite setting a new national record. Clocking 3:12.87, the India A team, composed of Muhammed Anas, Jyothika Sri Dandi, Muhammed Ajmal, and Kiran Pahal, narrowly missed the required 3:11.87 needed to surpass Kenya and secure the 16th and last spot.

This disappointment comes even as star athlete Jyothi Yarraji continues her impressive season, winning the women's 100m hurdles and almost securing her place for the Paris Games. In men's javelin throw, Kishore Jena found some solace with a bronze medal after struggling with an ankle injury.

The Indian mixed 4x400m relay team failure will be a notable setback for AFI, given that both the men's and women's 4x400m relay teams have already qualified for the Olympics. Other notable performances included Abdulla Aboobacker's victory in the men's triple jump and Kishore Jena's bronze-winning effort in men's javelin throw.