Indian athlete Shahrukh Khan has broken the national under-20 record in the 3000 meters steeplechase and qualified for the final of the World Athletics Under-20 Championship. At 18 years old, Shahrukh finished sixth in his heat with a time of 8 minutes 45.12 seconds. The final is scheduled for August 31.
The top eight from each heat qualified for the final. Previously, the under-20 national record was held by 19-year-old Rajesh from Rajasthan, who set a time of 8 minutes 50.12 seconds in May at the Federation Cup National Senior Championship in Bhubaneswar.
Shahrukh’s best previous time was 8 minutes 51.75 seconds, which he achieved last June when he won a silver medal at the Asian Under-20 Championship in Korea.
Indian athlete Jai Kumar has also advanced to the final of the men’s 400 meters, finishing third in his semifinal heat.
