Rajesh Ramesh Dominates 2026 Season Opener in Quarter-Mile Race
Synopsis
In an impressive comeback, Tamil Nadu’s Rajesh Ramesh clinched gold in the season opener at the Seventh Indian Open 400m Competition, clocking a remarkable 45.26 seconds. The event showcased exciting performances from both men and women across various age categories.
Key Takeaways
Rajesh Ramesh achieved a remarkable comeback in the 400m race.
The event took place in Thiruvananthapuram .
Men's final was divided into three groups: A, B, and C.
Vithya Ramraj won the women's 400m race.
U20 and U18 categories were also featured in the competition.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 21 (NationPress) The 27-year-old international quarter-miler from Tamil Nadu, Rajesh Ramesh, showcased his dominance in the season's opening event held in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.
Claiming the gold medal in the men's Race A at the Seventh Indian Open 400m Competition 2026 in Kerala, Ramesh clocked an impressive time of 45.26 seconds, surpassing his previous personal record of 45.54 seconds set in 2024.
After facing several injuries following the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Ramesh made a commendable comeback in 2025 with a season-best time of 45.75 seconds.
Manu TS from NCOE Trivandrum secured the second position in Race A, finishing in 45.96 seconds. Meanwhile, Delhi’s Amoj Jacob triumphed in Race C with a time of 45.99 seconds, placing third overall in the men's category.
The men's finals were split into three groups: A, B, and C, while the women's event was divided into two categories—A and B.
Vithya Ramraj from Tamil Nadu clinched victory in the women's 400m race, timing 53.31 seconds. Rashdeep Kaur from JSW came in second with 53.62 seconds, both finishing first and second in Group A.
Vijay Kumari GK from Karnataka won Race B with a time of 53.55 seconds, making her the overall third in the women's 400m event.
The competition also featured categories for U20 and U18 in both men's and women's sections.
Results:
Men: Rajesh Ramesh (Tamil Nadu) 45.26 seconds, Manu TS (NCOE Trivandrum) 45.96 seconds, Amoj Jacob (Delhi) 45.99 seconds.
Men U20: Piyush Raj (Bihar) 47.11 seconds, Sahil Malik (Uttarakhand) 47.28 seconds, Edvin Mathew (Kerala) 47.65 seconds.
Men U18: Sayed Sabeer (Karnataka) 47.73 seconds, Thanish Vijay Gaddam (Maharashtra) 48.17 seconds, Hariharan R (NCOE Trivandrum) 48.31 seconds.
Women: Vithya Ramraj (Tamil Nadu) 53.31 seconds, Rashdeep Kaur (JSW) 53.62 seconds, Vijay Kumari GK (Karnataka) 53.55 seconds.
Women U20: Reshma (Uttar Pradesh) 54.84 seconds, Isha Rajesh Jadav (Maharashtra) 55.46 seconds, Dharani A (Tamil Nadu) 55.63 seconds.
Women U18: Kashish Bhagat (Maharashtra) 56.46 seconds, Nethra M (Tamil Nadu) 59.54 seconds, Chaudhary Ashaben (Gujarat) 59.62 seconds.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize Rajesh Ramesh's recent accomplishments not just as a personal victory but as an inspiring narrative for athletes recovering from injuries. His performance at the season opener reflects resilience and determination, vital traits for future competitions.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Rajesh Ramesh's winning time?
Rajesh Ramesh won the race with a time of 45.26 seconds.
Who finished second in the men's Race A?
Manu TS from NCOE Trivandrum finished second with a time of 45.96 seconds.
Which athlete won the women's 400m race?
Vithya Ramraj of Tamil Nadu won the women's 400m race with a time of 53.31 seconds.
How many groups were the men's final races divided into?
The men's final races were divided into three groups: A, B, and C.
What events were included for younger athletes?
The competition included U20 and U18 events for both men and women.
