Brief
India’s mixed relay team overcomes fall to qualify for Asian Games final
After a dramatic fall by Animesh Kujur, India’s mixed relay team secured a spot in the Asian Games final with a 41.54‑second run.
By Felo News Desk · Published
During the mixed 4x100m relay at the Asian Games in Nagoya, India’s team faced a near‑disaster when sprinter Animesh Kujur slipped while handing the baton to Harita Bhadra. The incident could have ended the race, but Bhadra remained composed, completed the exchange and helped the team finish second in Heat 2 with a time of 41.54 seconds, qualifying for the final.
China won the heat in 41.52 seconds, just 0.02 seconds ahead of India. The quartet—Gurindervir Singh, Abinaya Rajarajan, Kujur and Bhadra—had to navigate wet conditions that contributed to the slip. Bhadra’s calm handling of the situation was highlighted as a key factor in preventing a collapse.
In other Indian sporting news, the country has been active across multiple events at the Games. Earlier this week, India secured a win in a shortened T20 cricket match against Japan, and the cricket final saw India triumph over Japan 32‑31 after a controversial wide‑ball reversal. The mixed relay incident adds to a busy schedule for Indian athletes as they compete in athletics, cricket, and other sports.
Key facts
- Animesh Kujur slipped during the baton exchange in Heat 2 of the mixed 4x100m relay (gulfnews.com)
- India finished second in Heat 2 with a time of 41.54 seconds (gulfnews.com)
- China won Heat 2 in 41.52 seconds (gulfnews.com)
- The Indian relay team qualified for the final after the fall (gulfnews.com)
- The relay team consisted of Gurindervir Singh, Abinaya Rajarajan, Animesh Kujur and Harita Bhadra (gulfnews.com)
Background
India’s athletics team has been preparing for the Asian Games amid logistical challenges, including a recent flag‑bearer incident where Tajinderpal Singh Toor missed the opening ceremony due to kit delays.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the importance of baton exchanges in relay races and demonstrates the resilience of Indian athletes under pressure.
What happens next
India will compete in the mixed 4x100m relay final in Nagoya later in the Games.
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Animesh takes nasty fall, but India still reach Asian Games relay final”
