India's Mixed 4x100m Relay Team Sets National Record at International Relay Competition

India's mixed 4x100m relay team made headlines by breaking the national record at the International Invitation Relay Competition. Clocking 42.30 seconds, the team's performance not only enhances their chances for the World Athletics Relays in Botswana but also reflects the growing depth in Indian athletics. With just one day of practice before the race, the athletes showcased remarkable trust and coordination. As they prepare for future competitions, including the Asian Games, their ambitions are clear: aiming for medals and personal achievements. This record-setting run marks a significant milestone in India's sprinting journey.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 29, 2026, 04:15 IST

Historic Performance at the International Invitation Relay Competition

India's sprinting team made significant strides at the International Invitation Relay Competition, achieving a record-setting performance in the mixed 4x100m relay. This accomplishment enhances the team's prospects of qualifying for the World Athletics Relays scheduled in Botswana.

The event was pivotal in the qualification timeline, as Indian teams aimed for impressive timings to secure a spot among the top 24 in global rankings. The results from Saturday's competition have positioned India firmly within this competitive bracket, keeping their hopes alive for a place on the world stage.

The team, consisting of Lalu Prasad, Unnathi Aiyappa, Harita Batra, and Jayaram, clocked an impressive 42.30 seconds, establishing a new national record. Their performance was characterized by seamless baton exchanges and remarkable composure, marking it as one of the finest relay displays by an Indian squad in recent history.

This timing not only propelled India into the qualification zone but also showcased the increasing depth within the relay team, where execution is now aligning with individual speed.

After the race, Batra emphasized the importance of trust over extensive preparation. "Honestly, I just trusted in our team, and I didn’t think about the pressure. I was just running and doing the best job I could do. And then, in the end, we would see what the result was — and that just worked well," she stated.

Batra, along with Aiyappa, shared that the team had only one day of practice before the race. "We only practiced for one day, and we didn’t know how our exchange would be, so we just trusted each other and just went for it," she added.

This context adds depth to their achievement. Relay races often hinge on timing and coordination rather than sheer speed, and achieving a national record under such conditions indicates a system that is rapidly evolving.

The focus now shifts to the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, where final qualifications will be confirmed after the ranking window closes. This event is also part of the broader preparation for the upcoming Asian Games.

While the team compositions for future events are still being determined, the group's intentions are clear. "If we go to the World Relays, then yeah, we aim for a medal," Batra remarked, looking forward to the next challenge.

For Batra, her aspirations extend beyond the relay. "My personal goal is getting selected for an individual event at the Asian Games, in the 100m or 200m, and being on the podium," she expressed.

The performance in Chandigarh will be remembered not only for the record but also as a sign of a significant shift in Indian athletics.