India’s top men’s quarter-milers made an emphatic start to their campaign at the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, with Vishal TK and Manu TS both dipping under the Asian Games qualification standard in the 400m heats to book their places in the semi-finals.

National record holder Vishal TK clocked 45.95 seconds to win Heat 1, while Manu TS followed with 45.96 seconds in Heat 4. Both performances were inside the Asian Games qualification standard of 45.97 seconds and were the two fastest times recorded across the four heats.

Men’s 400m Heats

  • Vishal TK – 45.95s (Heat 1)
  • Manu TS – 45.96s (Heat 4)

The performances underline India’s growing strength in the men’s 400m, an event that has witnessed a resurgence in recent years thanks to the emergence of a talented group of quarter-milers.

Vishal, who holds the national record, once again demonstrated why he is regarded as India’s leading one-lap sprinter. Producing a composed run in the opening heat, he comfortably secured qualification while ensuring he remained fresh for the rounds ahead.

Manu TS matched that standard in the final heat, dipping under the qualifying mark by one-hundredth of a second. His run continued his impressive season and strengthened his credentials for selection to India’s squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya.

The Inter-State Championships carry added importance this year, serving as the final major domestic competition before the Athletics Federation of India finalises its teams for both the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games. Every qualifying performance is therefore likely to play a significant role in the selection process.

Beyond the individual event, the performances are also encouraging for India’s men’s 4x400m relay prospects. With multiple athletes now capable of running under the qualification standard, the country is building valuable depth in one of its traditionally strongest track disciplines.

Both Vishal and Manu will return to the track later today for the men’s 400m semi-finals, scheduled for 6:40 pm IST, where the battle for places in the final—and ultimately the national title—will intensify.