Indian men's 4x400m relay team break Asian record, qualify for World C'ships final

Indian men's 4x400m relay team on Saturday created history by qualifying for the final of the World Championships for the first time. The Indian team's timing of 2 minute 29.05 seconds is also an Asian record now.

Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Amoj Jacob, Muhammed Ajmal Variyathodi and Rajesh Ramesh powered India to a second place in heat number one behind USA (2:58.47) in Budapest to make it to the final to be held on Sunday.

The previous Asian record was 2:59.51, held by a Japanese team while the Indian national record that has now been rewritten was 3:00.25.

The top three finishers in each of the two heats and the next two fastest qualify for the final. The Indian team gave the world record holders, USA, a run for their money, finishing closely behind them.

India eventually finished second overall also after the two heats, behind USA, but ahead of strong teams like Great Britain (3rd; 2:59.42) and Jamaica (5th; 2:59.82).

All four members of relay team are from south India with Rajesh Ramesh hailing from Tamil Nadu and the others, from Kerala.
(With PTI inputs)