Veteran M.R. Poovamma Commands Chennai Track
The quarter-mile remains the territory of the experienced. At the Indian Athletics Series-6 held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai, veteran Olympian M.R. Poovamma Raju rolled back the years to clinch the women’s 400m title, clocking a commanding season-best of 53.38s.
Poovamma, a two-time Asian Games gold medalist in the relay, has shown remarkable resilience this season. After a bronze-medal finish at the Indian Open 400m in Thiruvananthapuram earlier this year (53.61s), she found an extra gear in the humid Chennai heat. Her performance is a significant indicator for India’s relay prospects, proving that the 33-year-old remains a cornerstone of the national 4x400m pool.
While the veteran took the gold, the story of the race was Ansa Babu. Finishing a close second, Babu registered a lifetime best of 53.50s, marking the first time in her career she has dipped under the 54-second barrier. Representing the Police Sports Control Board, Babu’s rapid progression—improving on her 54.01s from March—puts her firmly in the conversation for a spot in the primary national relay squad.
Rounding out the podium was Vijayakumari G.K., who clocked 53.58s. A consistent performer who also stood on the podium in Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayakumari continues to provide the depth that makes the Indian women’s 400m field one of the most competitive in Asia.
Perhaps the most encouraging sign for the AFI and the relay coaches was the return of Subha Venkatesan. The Tokyo Olympian and Asian Games medalist, who hails from Tiruchirappalli, finally opened her 2026 season on home soil. Winning her heat with a time of 54.80s, Venkatesan looked smooth and controlled. For an athlete who has battled through injuries and intense competition, this season opener is a vital first step toward regaining the sub-52s form that once made her an indispensable part of India’s mixed and women’s relay teams.