U20 Athletics World Championships 2024: Indian 4x400m relay athlete Bapi Hansda ruled out due to dengue
Bapi Hansda, one of India's most promising young athletes, has been ruled out of the upcoming Junior World Athletics Championships. Hansda was a key member of India’s 43-member squad for the U20 Athletics World Championships, which are scheduled to take place in Lima, Peru, from August 27 to 31.
Bapi Hansda, who was training at the SAI Camp in Bangalore, contracted dengue, forcing him to withdraw from the event. His absence is a significant blow to the Indian contingent, as he was considered a strong medal contender in the 400m and 4x400m Relay events.
Bapi Hansda’s Remarkable Achievements
Despite his young age, Bapi Hansda has already made a significant impact in athletics. In 2023, he rose into the spotlight by winning the 400m hurdles at the 18th National Youth Athletics Championships in Udupi with a time of 51.95 seconds.
Earlier in the heats, he clocked 51.90 seconds, setting a new personal best record. This achievement propelled him to the top of the Under-18 world rankings in the 400m hurdles category.
His success didn’t stop there. Hansda went on to win a silver medal in the men’s 400m hurdles at the 2023 Asian Youth Athletics Championships in Uzbekistan, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat.
His personal best (PB) and season best (SB) stand at an impressive 46.90 seconds, which he clocked during the National Junior U20 Federation Athletics Championships in Lucknow, where he won gold and set a new record.
Hansda’s talent was further recognized when he represented India at the Commonwealth Youth Games 2023 in Trinidad and Tobago. His rapid rise in the athletics world had many expecting him to shine at the Junior World Athletics Championships.
With over 1,700 athletes from 134 teams set to compete in Lima, Hansda’s absence will be felt deeply. India will now have to rely on other members of its contingent to bring home medals from the prestigious event, where the country aims to improve upon its joint 25th finish at the 2022 edition in Colombia.