Despite India being home to three of Asia’s five fastest women quartermilers this year, the Athletics Federation of India has chosen to send just one athlete in the event for the Asian Championships which begin in Bangkok on July 12. A country can send two athletes in each event.
Aishwarya Mishra, who won her heats in 52.85s in the Federation Cup but was later disqualified in the final for lane infringement, will be the lone athlete in the women’s 400m. Priya Mohan, the Federation Cup champion, is now out with health issues and is likely to return to training after a month.
Surprisingly 16-year-old Rezoana Mallick Heena, who took the under-18 Asian title in an impressive 52.98s towards the end of April and later won the under-20 Asian crown, does not find a place in the individual 400m but has been offered a berth in the women’s and mixed 4x400m relays.
