India’s mixed 4x100m relay team created history by breaking the national record at the World Athletics Relays 2026 on Sunday.
The team of Ragul Kumar, Nithya Gandhe, Animesh Kujur, and Sneha SS ran 41.35s, beating the old record of 42.30s. The previous mark was set earlier this year in Chandigarh by Lalu Prasad, Unnathi Aiyappa, Harita Bhadra, and Dondapati Jayaram.
However, despite setting a new national record, India could not qualify for the final or secure a place for the 2027 World Championships in Beijing.
The team finished sixth in their heat and 10th overall, missing out on qualification, as only the top two teams from each heat advanced.
In the mixed 4x400m relay, the Indian team of Theerthesh P. Shetty, Kumari Saloni, Nihal William, and Rashdeep Kaur finished fifth in their heat with a time of 3:19.40, placing 12th overall.
It turned out to be a tough day for India in other events as well.
In the men’s 4x400m relay, the team could not finish the race after Amoj Jacob (second leg) suffered an injury during his leg.
The women’s 4x100m team, consisting of Nithya Gandhe, Tamanna, Sudeshna Shivankar, and Sneh, finished last overall in the heats with a time of 53.90s.
Meanwhile, the men’s 4x100m team of Harsh Raut, Animesh Kujur, Ragul Kumar, and Gurindervir Singh was disqualified due to a failed baton exchange.