Record-Setting Performance: Indian Relay Teams Qualify for World Athletics Relays
Synopsis
Indian relay teams have made history by qualifying for the World Athletics Relays in Botswana after exceptional performances at the National Open Relay Competition in Chandigarh. The India B team broke records while securing their spots for the prestigious event.
Key Takeaways
Indian relay teams qualify for World Athletics Relays.
India B team sets a new record of 42.30 seconds .
India A team also qualifies with a time of 42.34 seconds .
Competition to be held in Gaborone, Botswana .
Teams faced international competitors from Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.
Chandigarh, March 28 (NationPress) – The Indian relay squads have secured their spots for the World Athletics Relays scheduled in Gaborone, Botswana, this May, showcasing record-breaking performances during the 1st International Invitational Relay / 3rd National Open Relay Competition 2026 held in Chandigarh on Saturday.
The India B team achieved a remarkable time of 42.30 seconds, clinching gold and breaking the former record of 43.44 seconds. India A followed closely to seize silver with a time of 42.34 seconds, as both teams earned their places for the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone.
Comprising athletes such as Gurindervir Singh and Tamilarasu, both teams executed flawless baton exchanges and displayed incredible speed, igniting enthusiastic cheers from the spectators. The Indian teams faced challengers from Nepal, the Maldives, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka during the 1st International Invitational Relay.
India A bagged the senior mixed 4x400m gold, outperforming Sri Lanka with a time of 3:18.90, while youth teams from Tamil Nadu and Chandigarh also contributed to a series of victories, showcasing the country's relay prowess.
The 4x100m mixed relay team from India set a new National Record by finishing in 42.30 seconds at the National Open Relay 2026. The team, consisting of Lalu Prasad, Unnathi, Harita, and Jayaram, executed perfect baton handovers and demonstrated remarkable speed for a historic finish.
In the junior category, Tamil Nadu's women dominated the U20 Women’s 4x100m relay with a time of 48.38 seconds, while Chandigarh secured the U20 4x100 Mixed Relay in 45.44 seconds.
The upcoming competition in Botswana will feature six relay events: 4x100m (men and women), 4x400m (men and women), and mixed relays (4x100m and 4x400m), as confirmed by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Friday.
The qualification period, as per World Athletics regulations, commenced on January 1, 2025, and will conclude on April 5, 2026. Teams ranked within the top-24 on the Road to Gaborone will be eligible to participate in Botswana.
National athletics coach, Radhakrishnan Nair, expressed confidence in the teams' potential for success on Saturday, and they did not disappoint. “We are optimistic that the remaining four national relay teams will achieve their target times to make it to Botswana,” Nair added.
Point of View
These athletes are setting new standards and inspiring future generations.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the World Athletics Relays take place?
The World Athletics Relays will be held in Gaborone, Botswana.
What records did the Indian relay teams break?
The India B team set a new record of 42.30 seconds in the men's 4x400 relay, breaking the previous record of 43.44 seconds.
Which teams participated in the competition?
Indian teams faced competition from Nepal, the Maldives, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka during the 1st International Invitational Relay.
What is the qualification period for the World Athletics Relays?
The qualification period started on January 1, 2025, and will end on April 5, 2026.
Who is the chief national athletics coach?
The chief national athletics coach is Radhakrishnan Nair.
