Tokyo Olympics: The naval sailor who will be the first Indian male athlete to participate in 400m hurdles

The 25-year-old sailor, who hails from Malappuram in Kerala, is currently ranked 34th in the World Athletics' 'Road to Olympics' rankings, where 40 athletes qualify. 

Indian Navy Petty Officer Communication (Telegraphist) MP Jabir has booked his spot in the Tokyo Olympics 400m hurdles event after he clocked 49.78s to win gold at the recently-held Inter-State Аthletiсs Сhаmрiоnshiрs in Раtiаlа.

Jabir will be the first male athlete from India to participate in the 400m hurdles event in Olympics. 

PT Usha, the legendary athlete from Kerala, competed in the 400 m hurdles at the Los Angeles Olympics. 

That makes Jabir the second athlete from the state to compete in the same event in Olympics. The 25-year-old sailor, who hails from Malappuram in Kerala, is currently ranked 34th in the World Athletics' 'Road to Olympics' rankings, where 40 athletes qualify. 

Jabir confirmed his Olympics berth through the world ranking quota, where there are 14 spots available.

Today, the athlete is in the final stages of preparation for the Tokyo Olympics. The inter-state meet was the last Olympic qualification event for the Tokyo Games. 

Even though the Covid-19 pandemic ensured that Jabir's last competitive race was in 2019, with regular practice and support from the naval training team, the 25-year-old continued his sessions, avoiding any injuries and prepare for the Olympics.