India’s dependable quarter-miler Jyothika Sri Dandi on injured list, Rupal Chaudhary makes a strong comeback- Exclusive

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Andhra Pradesh international quarter-miler, Jyothika Sri Dandi, watched the women's 400m competition from the spectators stand on the opening day of the 28th National Federation Senior Athletics Championship at Kochi's Maharajas College campus.

Jyothika, 24, considered a dependable sprinter was one of the key relay runners of the Indian team in the buildup to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. However, in the buildup to the May 10-11 World Athletics Relay in China, the Andhra Pradesh sprinter is on the injured list.

"She sprained her ankle during a training session and subsequently due to imbalance strained her quadriceps muscles," a coach familiar with the development told Mykhel over the phone.

According to Jyothika she has been undergoing extensive rehab. "It has been nearly eight weeks since I was sidelined due to injury," she added. "But should be able to get back to normal training by the end of this month."

Jyothika has a personal best of 51.53 seconds for 400m clocked last year. She greatly contributed to the Indian 4x400m women's relay to winning Paris Olympic Games berth at the 2024 World Athletics Relays in Bahamas.

Jyothika said it wouldn't be possible for her to get competitive at the time of May 10-11 World Athletics Relay in China. "For sure I'm out of the race World Relays but will be back soon," she said.

Jyothika has nearly four months to get competitive to stay in contention for a berth in the national team for the September 13 to 21 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

On the other hand, Rupal Chaudhary has made a strong comeback from a layoff due to a long injury in 2023. The World U20 individual bronze medallist in 400m and relay, made rapid strides this year.

Twice this year she has clocked sub-53 in the women's 400m race in domestic competitions. "Thanks God I'm on the right track," Rupal said on the sidelines of the National Federation Senior Athletics Championship.

Rupal had won gold at the Indian Open 400m competition earlier in March and is expected to win gold in Kochi. She is also considered one of the key members of the Indian team for the upcoming World Athletics Relays in China.