Indian relay teams recently made significant strides toward securing their berths at the World Athletics Relays in Botswana this May, delivering commendable performances at the International Invitation Relay Competition held in Chandigarh. The event, a crucial qualifier, saw India's men's 4x400m squad clinch a gold medal, while a mixed 4x100m team shattered a national record, underscoring the nation's growing prowess in track and field.

The men's 4x400m quartet, consisting of Manu TS, Amoj Jacob, D Chaudhary, and Rajesh Ramesh, showcased a dominant display to secure the gold medal. Their collective effort resulted in a rapid finish time of 3 minutes and 1.43 seconds. This performance is considered highly significant for their qualification campaign, providing a substantial boost to their standing as they vie for a coveted spot in the global relay championship. The competition, which took place on Saturday, offered an important platform for the athletes to demonstrate their readiness for international challenges.

In the mixed 4x100m relay, it was the Indian National B team that truly distinguished itself by establishing a new national benchmark. The quartet delivered an exceptional run, clocking an impressive 42.30 seconds. This remarkable time not only earned them the top spot but also decisively surpassed the previous national record of 43.44 seconds, a mark previously held by the Tamil Nadu team. The achievement underscores the competitive depth and emerging talent within India's short-distance relay programs. The India A team also performed strongly in the same event, securing the silver medal with a time of 42.34 seconds, just fractions of a second behind the record-breaking B team. The podium was rounded out by the Maldives, which claimed the third-place position, highlighting the regional participation in the competition.

These recent outcomes from the Chandigarh competition are pivotal for India's ambitions in the lead-up to the World Athletics Relays. The event in Botswana is a key tournament, often serving as a primary qualifier for major championships, including the Olympic Games. Strong performances like those seen on Saturday are instrumental in accumulating necessary ranking points and meeting qualification standards. The successful showings from both the men's 4x400m and mixed 4x100m disciplines reflect a positive trajectory for Indian athletics and bolster the nation's confidence in fielding competitive teams on the world stage. The results set an encouraging precedent for the athletes as they look towards the challenges and opportunities presented by the upcoming international relays.