Paris Olympics: Indian 4x400m Team Dares to 'Dream of Historic Medal,' Says Amoj Jacob

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In August of last year, the Indian men's 4x400m relay team made history by reaching the final of the World Championships in Budapest. Amoj Jacob, Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Muhammed Ajmal, and Rajesh Ramesh shattered the Asian record, clocking 2:59.05 seconds, leading the Indian men's relay team to its first-ever World Championship final.

Now, in August 2024, the Indian men's team is poised to create history once again, but this time the stakes are even higher, as they face the ultimate challenge: the Paris Olympics.

Amoj, who ran the second leg in the World Championships qualification and is touted as one of the fastest 400m runner India has produced, speaks exclusively with myKhel on preparations for the upcoming Paris Olympics.

"The pressure is that we have to repeat the same thing and do better than that," said Amoj. "So, there is that pressure, but also, I had been to the Tokyo Olympics before. Everyone's dream is to go to the Olympics once; I have already done that. My dream is to win a medal this time."

In May 2024, The Indian men's 4x400m relay team comprising of individual national record holder Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Muhammed Ajmal, Arokia Rajiv, and Amoj Jacob clocked 3:03.23 to secure its berth in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games competition.

The quartet finished behind the USA in Olympic Qualifying Round 2 of the World Relays Championship in Nassau, The Bahamas. Amoj Jacob was the star of the team as he ran the anchor leg with finesse. The 26-year-old quarter-miler recalls how all the eyes of the big guns were on them following that performance as not many expected them to be there.

"After that performance, everyone was looking at us, wondering 'who are they?' It made us feel we have announced our arrival among the big guns. That reflects in the mood of the camp now. We tell each other to stay injury-free so that we can achieve our dreams.

"If you have any problems, go to your physio, tell the doctors, and inform the coaches. Many times, we don't communicate; we act like there is no problem and nothing much is happening. So we remind each other that if you don't tell them, at least tell us, and we will convey it to them. We are pushing each other mentally to stay motivated. We were doing this in Budapest, and we are doing the same now, so hopefully, we will do well."

The Indian men's relay team was expected to secure a spot by qualifying for the finals of the World Relays but an injury to Rajesh Ramesh during the second leg of the relay meant they had to rely on the last qualification race. Speaking about Rajesh's injury, Amoj said, "Rajesh is fine and getting better. He has avoided some competitions because he is still recovering. If he pushes too hard, something could happen, and we can't take that risk. He is training well in Trivandrum, and we have spoken to him; he is improving."

Not only did the quartet qualify for the World Championships final last year but they also won a gold medal in the Asian Games. The Indian quartet of Anas Muhammed Yahiya, Amoj Jacob, Muhammed Ajmal, and Rajesh Ramesh secured first place for India in the men's 4x400m relay with a timing of 3:01.58.

With the men's relay team performing well now, expectations are building. On building expectations the 26-year-old athlete said, "There is pressure, we are thinking about it, we have thought about it ourselves. We ran so well last time; will it happen this year? We will do it this year, we will do it 100% and, hopefully, we will break the Asian record again, below 2:59 or 2:58. If possible, we will come back with a medal."

As the Paris Olympics draw near, the anticipation is palpable, with the Indian men's relay team aiming to exceed their past achievements and etch their names in history.