It turned into a heartbreaking day for India’s men’s 4x100m relay team at the Open Relays, as their qualification hopes ended in disqualification.
The team, aiming to secure a spot at the World Relays, was disqualified due to a takeover violation under World Athletics Technical Rule 24.7.
The incident occurred during the race when third-leg runner Manikanta suffered a hamstring issue, disrupting the baton exchange with anchor leg runner Animesh Kujur.
As a result, the baton exchange failed within the designated zone, leading to the disqualification.
In a surprising turn, the team was initially unaware of the decision and had begun warming up for the final before being informed.
Sources indicate that Maldives lodged a protest, although officials had reportedly already begun reviewing the incident prior to the appeal.
India had entered the race ranked 25th in the World Relays standings with a time of 38.75 seconds and needed 38.73 or faster to move into the top 24 — a target that appeared within reach.
Instead, the campaign ended in disappointment, marking a tough setback for a team that showed strong potential heading into the event.