New Delhi: Indian sprinter Mohammed Ashfaq produced a standout performance at the World Athletics U20 Championships by breaking the national under 20 record in the men’s 400 metres and qualifying for the semifinals.
The 19 year old clocked 45.81 seconds in his first round heat, finishing second behind American Jayden DeLeon, who recorded 45.63 seconds. Ashfaq’s time placed him fourth overall among the qualifiers.
The performance improved his own previous national U20 record of 46.05 seconds, which he had set earlier this season in April. His latest run underlined his rapid progress and put him among the leading young 400m runners at the championships.
India’s Piyush Raj, however, could not advance to the semifinals. He finished fifth in his heat and 35th overall after clocking 47.78 seconds.
In the women’s discus throw final, 18 year old Amanat Kamboj finished sixth after producing a personal best of 53.24 metres with her opening throw. China’s Su Yixin won the gold medal with 61.06m, while the United States’ Jaslene Massey claimed silver with 58.41m and Cyprus’ Marina Hadjicosta took bronze with 54.88m.
India also had mixed results in the men’s high jump. Basant secured a place in the final after clearing 2.14m, finishing fifth in his qualification group and 11th overall.
K Ambriesh, however, was eliminated after managing 2.05m. He finished 12th in his qualification group and 24th overall after failing to clear 2.10m in three attempts.
In other events, Anshu missed the women’s shot put final after finishing 14th overall with a 15.24m effort. Tanu Chaudhary failed to qualify for the women’s 400m hurdles semifinals after recording 1:00.03, while Amit Kumar finished eighth in his 400m hurdles heat in 54.01 seconds.
P Royshan and Dhanush Raj also failed to progress to the men’s triple jump final, finishing 25th and 34th respectively.
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