Jyothi Yarraji Triumphs with Record Gold at Asian Championships

Post by : Mina Rahman

Indian athlete Jyothi Yarraji has once again brought pride to her nation. She clinched the gold medal in the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships held in Gumi, South Korea, on May 29, 2025, marking a monumental moment in Indian athletics.

Completing the race in an astounding 12.96 seconds, she set a new championship record and became the first Indian woman to finish the 100m hurdles under 13 seconds. This remarkable feat is a significant milestone for Indian sports.

An Unusual Setting for Victory

Yarraji's gold came in an unexpected situation as heavy rains forced spectators to evacuate the stadium for safety. Consequently, she ran the final race in complete silence.

With no cheers or clapping to energize her, she maintained her composure and focus throughout the race. After her victory, Jyothi admitted to feeling a bit odd celebrating without a crowd, marking it as the first time in years she felt compelled to shout for joy after a race.

Race Dynamics

Jyothi started the race slightly behind but gained momentum after the eighth hurdle. Her exceptional technique and speed allowed her to surpass competitors from Japan and China, finishing strong.

Final Rankings:

• Gold: Jyothi Yarraji (India) – 12.96 seconds

• Silver: Yumi Tanaka (Japan) – 13.04 seconds

• Bronze: Yanni Wu (China) – 13.12 seconds

Strategic Changes in Technique

This season witnessed Jyothi reverting to the eight-step technique between hurdles, after a less successful experiment with a seven-step approach during the Paris Olympics. Her return to the eight-step style has proven successful and minimized errors.

Her coach, James Hillier, commended her strategy, noting Jyothi executed the race plan flawlessly. She is now more robust, exhibitioning greater fitness and confidence, and this adjustment has also reduced potential injury risks.

A Journey from Humble Beginnings

Hailing from Pombaram village near Visakhapatnam, Jyothi’s path to success has been fraught with challenges. She initially competed as a long jumper but transitioned to hurdles in 2017, facing numerous obstacles in her early career.

From borrowing shoes to training with basic equipment and grappling with financial difficulties, Jyothi found a way to thrive after receiving training support in Hyderabad, which has been vital to her athletic development.

Experiences of Triumph and Setbacks

Jyothi Yarraji's career reflects both triumph and tribulation:

• 2023: Secured Asian gold in Bangkok amid heavy rainfall

• 2024: Achieved national record but faced challenges at the Olympics

• Early 2025: Collected 200m gold at National Games

• May 2025: Successfully defended her Asian title with record time

Despite suffering a hamstring injury in April 2025, she demonstrated resilience and a strong comeback.

Looking Ahead: The Next Challenge

Following this victory, Jyothi sets her sights on the 2026 World Championships in Tokyo, with an aim to achieve a qualifying time of 12.73 seconds, a target experts believe she can reach soon.

Her outstanding performance has garnered accolades, with sports officials labeling her a beacon of hard work and perseverance. Enhanced training facilities and programs have been instrumental in her development.

Growing Popularity on Social Media

Clips showcasing Jyothi receiving her medal in a vacant stadium have gone viral, drawing praise from across India for her bravery and skill. Many lament that such a monumental achievement took place without a live audience.

Standing at 1.78 meters tall, Jyothi Yarraji has emerged as a role model for aspiring young athletes, particularly girls from rural backgrounds. Her story illustrates that with dedication, proper mentorship, and unwavering belief, dreams can indeed become a reality.