Kerala sprinter Mohammed Ashfaq breaks national record at World Athletics U20 to reach 400m final

Eugene: In a monumental moment for Indian track and field, 19-year-old Kerala sprinter Mohammed Ashfaq has shattered the Under-20 national record to qualify for the men's 400 metres final at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2026 in Eugene, Oregon.

Ashfaq began his campaign in breathtaking fashion during the opening heats, clocking 45.81 seconds to finish second in Heat 5 behind the United States' Jayden DeLeon (45.63s). This landmark effort eclipsed his previous U20 national record of 46.05 seconds, which he had established at the U20 Federation Cup in Bengaluru in April. His heat timing placed him fourth overall among all qualifiers.

Ashfaq sustained his high-calibre momentum in the semi-finals. The quarter-miler registered a time of 46.00 seconds in the third semi-final heat to finish third, successfully booking his berth in the World U20 final.

The athlete's historic achievement comes amidst a mixed opening few days for the Indian contingent in Eugene. While fellow Indian runner Piyush Raj failed to advance after finishing fifth in his heat with a timing of 47.78 seconds, high jumper Basant joined Ashfaq in reaching his respective final by clearing 2.14 metres.