India’s men’s 4x100m relay team technically topped the field at the Saudi Grand Prix 2026 with a timing of 40.49s — but the result came with an awkward layer of irony.

Only two of the five entered teams actually started the race, with three sides marked DNS, turning what should have been a competitive international event into effectively a two-team contest.

And while India finished first, the timing itself raised eyebrows. The 40.49s clocking was modest enough that it would rank only around sixth in the world this season in the mixed 4x100m relay — an event where teams feature two women and two men.

For a men’s relay squad aiming to build momentum after the World Athletics Relays disappointment, the result highlighted less about dominance and more about the current gap between participation, competition quality and elite-level sprint standards.

India had a sluggish start through Harsh Raut, while Saudi Arabia’s A team got off brilliantly. Animesh, running the second leg for India, received the baton late but produced a superb recovery leg to close the gap. However, Saudi Arabia’s second runner appeared to suffer cramps, which helped India move ahead.

The biggest concern came during India’s baton exchanges. The third-to-fourth exchange between Pranav and Gurindervir was extremely cautious. Pranav looked tense and almost came to a complete stop before handing over the baton safely, as if the team’s only objective was to finish the race rather than chase a fast time.

But why such caution?

Because this Indian relay team has been haunted by baton exchange disqualifications. India has been disqualified three times since last season for exchanges outside the takeover zone:

  • Asian Athletics Championships 2025 — exchange between Ragul and Pranav
    • Open Relay Invitational — exchange between Manikanta and Animesh
    • World Relays 2026 — exchange between Ragul and Gurindervir

At the Saudi GP, that fear was clearly visible. The pressure to avoid another disqualification resulted in one of India’s slowest relay timings in recent years.

Last season, the team shattered India’s 15-year-old national record with a stunning 38.69s, giving Indian athletics fans genuine hope.

From breaking records to running a mixed relay-level timing — India’s baton scars are still very real.