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Asian Athletics Championships: Mohammed Anas among 3 Indians to enter 400m final
The 400m final at the Asian Athletics Championships is expected to be an exciting event as out of eight runners, three are Indians: Mohammed Anas, Rajiv Arokia and Amoj Jacob.
India’s national record holder Mohammed Anas overcame tiredness and a stiff challenge from his rivals to win and advance into the final of men’s 400 metres race in the morning session of the Asian Athletics Championships at the Kalinga Stadium here on Friday.
The semi-final race was re-run as some of the competitors had lodged a protest on Thursday as the starting gun was fired twice and the official didn’t recall the runners to the starting line.
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The final race is expected to be an exciting event as out of the eight runners, three are Indians. Besides Anas, Rajiv Arokia and teenage runner Amoj Jacob are other two.
In recent times, Jacob, who also competes in 800m, has shown potential to outclass more seasoned runners like Arokia.
Ahead of the continental meet, Anas had been nursing an injury and there was a concern of lack of fitness. However, in the preliminary round and semis, though he looked tired, but said he will recover for the final.
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“There is bit of tiredness but with good massage I should be fit for the final in the evening,” he said after the morning session.
There are as many as 11 finals scheduled for the evening and Indian athletes are expected to win the gold in quarter mile. There are also chances of podium finishes in women’s 400m.
Indians are also among the favourites to win gold in women’s 400m hurdles as the trio of Jauna Murmu, R Anu and M Arpitha advanced in to the final in the morning session.
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National champion Anu said she didn’t was not fast enough in the heats as it was too humid. “I have saved my best for the final,” she said.
Meanwhile, India’s 4x100m men’s relay team of Anuroop John, Elakkiya Dasan, Jyoti Debnath and Amiya Mallick have been disqualified because of improper baton exchange.
