Daijiworld Media Network – Eugene
Eugene, Aug 7: India’s Mohammed Ashfaq delivered a record-breaking performance at the World Athletics U20 Championships, setting a new national record in the men’s 400m and qualifying for the semifinals on the second day of the event.
The 19-year-old clocked 45.81 seconds in Heat 5 of the first round, finishing second behind USA’s Jayden DeLeon, who recorded 45.63 seconds. Ashfaq’s timing placed him fourth overall among the qualifiers and secured his place in the semifinal round.
Ashfaq bettered his own previous national record of 46.05 seconds, which he had set earlier this year in April.
However, another Indian athlete in the event, Piyush Raj, could not advance after finishing fifth in Heat 6. He clocked 47.78 seconds and ended the qualification round in 35th position overall.
In the women’s discus throw final, India’s Amanat Kamboj produced her personal best effort to finish sixth. The 18-year-old recorded a throw of 53.24m in her opening attempt.
China’s Su Yixin won the gold medal with a throw of 61.06m, while USA’s Jaslene Massey claimed silver with 58.41m and Cyprus’ Marina Hadjicosta secured bronze with 54.88m.
In the men’s high jump qualification, Indian athlete Basant progressed to the final after clearing 2.14m to finish fifth in Group A and 11th overall. His compatriot K Ambriesh failed to qualify after managing a best clearance of 2.05m.
India’s Anshu narrowly missed qualification for the women’s shot put final after finishing 14th overall with an effort of 15.24m.
Tanu Chaudhary could not make it to the women’s 400m hurdles semifinals after finishing fifth in her heat with a timing of 1:00.03 seconds, while Amit Kumar ended his men’s 400m hurdles campaign after finishing eighth in his heat with 54.01 seconds.
In the men’s triple jump qualification, India’s P Royshan and Dhanush Raj also failed to advance to the final. Royshan finished 25th overall with a jump of 15.20m, while Dhanush Raj ended the qualification round in 34th place with an effort of 14.71m.
Ashfaq’s record-breaking run remained the highlight of India’s campaign on the second day of the championship.