Titles like the 4x400m have been won in the past on the sheer strength of better coordination even if the team do not have the fastest runners in the field. A classic example has been the USA’s women’s 4x400m team through the years, whose members are generally world-beaters in their own right. Still, teams like Cuba, with better planning, have managed to topple them on quite a few occasions.

In fact, despite being composed of a good bunch of quarter-milers, India finished fourth at the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi because of the lack of coordination. Leading after the first two legs, the team were pushed first to the second spot, and then the third, until one of the runners dropped the baton and were pushed to the fourth spot.

Speaking to The Indian Express, former national coach JS Saini stressed on the importance of all six members of the longer version (4x400m) training together. “For better results, it’s extremely important. Baton exchange is vital to be in command after the first leg. Training together also means better team spirit is fostered, which is important. Slow runners who train together can always outclass speedy runners in an event like relay,” he said from Patiala.

But AFI secretary Lalit Kumar Bhanot insisted that the team members will have sufficient time to train in Beijing as the event is scheduled at the end of the competition. “The girls will have enough time to practice together,” he said.