India’s Relay Teams Break Records, Eyes Set on World Athletics Relays in Botswana

By Gurpratap Sandhu , 29 March 2026
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India’s relay squads showcased their growing prowess at the International Invitation Relay Competition in Chandigarh, positioning themselves strongly for the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, in May. The men’s 4x400m team—Manu TS, Amoj Jacob, D Chaudhary, and Rajesh Ramesh—clinched gold with a commanding 3:01.43 finish, reinforcing India’s competitive edge. The mixed 4x100m relay saw the National B team rewrite history with a new national record of 42.30 seconds, surpassing Tamil Nadu’s 2025 benchmark of 43.44 seconds, while India A finished close behind at 42.34 seconds. The performances highlight depth, teamwork, and India’s rising status in international relay events.

Men’s 4x400m Relay: Gold-Winning Performance

India’s men’s 4x400m team delivered a powerful performance, crossing the finish line in 3:01.43 seconds. The squad—Manu TS, Amoj Jacob, D Chaudhary, and Rajesh Ramesh—combined seamless baton exchanges with strategic pacing, reinforcing their contention for a spot at the World Athletics Relays in Botswana, slated for May 2–3.

This gold medal not only demonstrates individual talent but also emphasizes team synergy and preparation, critical factors for success on the global stage. Analysts note that such performances reflect the country’s systematic approach to nurturing relay teams and enhancing international competitiveness.

Mixed 4x100m Relay: National Record Set

The mixed 4x100m relay stole the spotlight, as India’s National B team shattered the existing national record. Clocking 42.30 seconds, the team eclipsed Tamil Nadu’s previous mark of 43.44 seconds set in 2025. India A closely trailed with 42.34 seconds, while the Maldives secured third place, highlighting the competitive depth of the event.

This milestone demonstrates the growing focus on mixed-gender relay formats and showcases India’s ability to develop talent across diverse sprint disciplines. Enhanced training, precision timing, and athlete coordination contributed to this record-breaking effort.

Coaching Insight and Performance Analysis

Chief athletics coach Radhakrishnan Nair praised both teams, noting that their performances were “exceedingly well” and reflective of India’s expanding relay talent pool. The results underline not only individual athleticism but also rigorous preparation, strategic execution, and the importance of teamwork in relay events.

With these benchmarks established, India enters the World Athletics Relays with momentum and confidence, signaling readiness to compete against leading global relay teams.

Looking Ahead: Global Stage in Botswana

The Chandigarh performances are a precursor to India’s aspirations at the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone. With record-breaking times, flawless baton transitions, and a deep talent pool, Indian relay squads are poised to strengthen their international standing. Continued investment in training, technology, and talent scouting could position India as a consistent contender in global relay competitions.

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