Mohommed Ashfaq Breaks U20 National Record in 400m at World Championships

India’s Mohommed Ashfaq produced a record-breaking performance on the second day of the World Athletics U20 Championships, rewriting his own national record in the men’s 400m to storm into the semifinals.

The 19-year-old clocked an impressive 45.81 seconds in Heat 5 of the opening round, finishing second behind USA’s Jayden DeLeon, who won the heat in 45.63 seconds. Ashfaq’s time placed him fourth overall among the qualifiers for the semifinals.

The performance saw Ashfaq better his previous U20 national record of 46.05 seconds, which he had set earlier this season in April. His latest run marks another significant step in the young athlete’s progress on the international stage.

Compatriot Piyush Raj, however, could not join him in the semifinals. Raj finished fifth in Heat 6 with a timing of 47.78 seconds and ended 35th overall.

In the women’s discus throw final, Amanat Kamboj delivered a personal-best performance to finish sixth. The 18-year-old produced a throw of 53.24m in her opening attempt, improving her lifetime best while securing a place inside the top six.

China’s Su Yixin claimed the gold medal with a throw of 61.06m. USA’s Jaslene Massey took silver with 58.41m, while Cyprus’ Marina Hadjicosta won bronze with 54.88m.

India also had mixed results in the men’s high jump. Basant qualified for the final after clearing 2.14m, finishing fifth in Qualification Group A and 11th overall. K Ambriesh, however, was eliminated after managing 2.05m and finishing 24th overall.

In other events, Anshu missed the women’s shot put final after finishing 14th overall with 15.24m. Tanu Chaudhary finished 33rd in the women’s 400m hurdles, while Amit Kumar ended eighth in his men’s 400m hurdles heat.

India’s triple jump campaign also ended in qualification, with P Royshan and Dhanush Raj finishing 25th and 34th overall with efforts of 15.20m and 14.71m respectively.