Mohammed Ashfaq delivered a record-breaking performance to book his place in the men’s 400m semifinals, while Amanat Kamboj secured sixth place in the women’s discus throw final with a personal best on the second day of the World Athletics U20 Championships.
The 19-year-old Ashfaq produced a time of 45.81 seconds to finish second behind American Jayden DeLeon in Heat 5 of the opening round. His performance ranked fourth overall across the heats, ensuring qualification for the semifinals. In the process, he improved his own U20 national record of 46.05 seconds, which he had established earlier this season in April.
However, fellow Indian athlete Piyush Raj was unable to advance after placing fifth in Heat 6. He finished 35th overall with a timing of 47.78 seconds.
In the women’s discus throw final, 18-year-old Amanat Kamboj registered a lifetime best throw of 53.24m in her opening attempt to claim sixth place in the competition.
China’s Su Yixin captured the gold medal with a winning effort of 61.06m. Jaslene Massey of the United States claimed silver, while Cyprus’ Marina Hadjicosta completed the podium with the bronze medal.
India’s Basant progressed to the men’s high jump final after clearing 2.14m, finishing fifth in Qualification Group A and 11th overall.
K Ambriesh, on the other hand, could not advance after managing a best clearance of 2.05m. He finished 12th in Qualification Group B and 24th overall, having failed to clear 2.10m in all three of his attempts.
In the women’s shot put, Anshu narrowly missed qualification for the final. She placed ninth in her qualification group and ended 14th overall with a best throw of 15.24m.
Tanu Chaudhary also exited the competition after finishing fifth in her women’s 400m hurdles heat. Her time of 1:00.03 seconds placed her 33rd overall, denying her a spot in the semifinals.
In the men’s 400m hurdles, Amit Kumar crossed the finish line in 54.01 seconds to place eighth in his heat, ending his campaign.
Meanwhile, P Royshan and Dhanush Raj were unable to qualify for the men’s triple jump final. Royshan finished 25th overall with a leap of 15.20m, while Dhanush Raj ended 34th with an effort of 14.71m.
