Indian men's 4x400m relay team on Saturday created history by qualifying for the final of the World Championships for the first time. The Indian team's timing of 2 minute 29.05 seconds is also an Asian record now.
Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Amoj Jacob, Muhammed Ajmal Variyathodi and Rajesh Ramesh powered India to a second place in heat number one behind USA (2:58.47) in Budapest to make it to the final to be held on Sunday.
The previous Asian record was 2:59.51, held by a Japanese team while the Indian national record that has now been rewritten was 3:00.25.
The top three finishers in each of the two heats and the next two fastest qualify for the final. The Indian team gave the world record holders, USA, a run for their money, finishing closely behind them.
India eventually finished second overall also after the two heats, behind USA, but ahead of strong teams like Great Britain (3rd; 2:59.42) and Jamaica (5th; 2:59.82).
All four members of relay team are from south India with Rajesh Ramesh hailing from Tamil Nadu and the others, from Kerala.
(With PTI inputs)
