India’s 4x100m mixed relay team is facing a tense wait for World Relays qualification after slipping in the standings.
The team had initially secured a strong position, ranking 19th after clocking a national record time of 42.30 seconds at the Open Relays.
However, recent performances from other nations have changed the scenario. Nigeria, Kenya, Poland, and Ukraine have all recorded faster times, pushing India down to 23rd place — just inside the qualification cutoff of 24 teams.
With the qualification window still open until April 5, the situation remains uncertain. If two more teams post better timings, India risks dropping out of the top 24 and missing qualification for the World Relays in Gaborone.
The United States is also yet to register a qualifying time, which could further impact the final standings.
Sources indicate that India had targeted a sub-42 second run, but a baton exchange issue during the third leg cost valuable time in their record-setting race.
With qualification now hanging by a thread, all eyes are on upcoming races worldwide that could decide India’s fate.
