Championship Record Amid Rain in Gumi
Jyothi Yarraji successfully defended her women’s 100m hurdles title at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, on 29 May, clocking a championship record of 12.96 seconds. Despite heavy rain leaving the stadium empty, Yarraji surged past Japan’s Yumi Tanaka and China’s Yanni Wu, who had faster starts but could not match her powerful finish.
Coach James Hillier lauded her performance as a “class act,” praising her flawless execution of the race plan. Yarraji’s triumphant sub-13-second finish marked her first of the 2025 season after reverting to an eight-stride technique, a strategic change to prevent injuries following her risky seven-stride approach at the Paris Olympics. This victory builds on her 2023 Bangkok success and strengthens her push for the World Championships, aiming for sub-12.73 times.
Racing Against the Elements
The Gumi stadium, soaked by relentless rain, presented a challenging backdrop reminiscent of her 2023 triumph. With spectators largely absent, Yarraji faced not just her rivals but also the elements, making her victory all the more remarkable.
At 1.78 metres, Yarraji overcame a slow start, turning her long strides from a potential weakness into an advantage, powering past competitors with rhythm and precision. She finished in 12.96 seconds, edging Tanaka (13.04s) and Wu (13.12s), proving her mastery over both technique and mental fortitude.
“When I reached the finish line, I felt nobody was near me in so many years,” Yarraji shared, her voice filled with uncharacteristic joy. Her coach, Hillier, highlighted her growth: “Stronger, leaner, and more focused, she’s among the world’s best over the final hurdles now.”
A Journey of Resilience
Yarraji’s path from the dusty tracks of Pombaram village near Visakhapatnam to Asia’s hurdling elite exemplifies determination. Beginning in 2017 with a spontaneous switch from long jump to hurdles, she overcame early financial hardships, training on makeshift equipment, until the Reliance Foundation recognized her talent and facilitated her coaching under Hillier in Hyderabad.
Her breakthrough came in 2023 in Bangkok, where she became the first Indian woman to claim 100m hurdles gold at an international level (13.09s), shattering her national record. Since then, her journey has been a mix of highs and setbacks: a national record of 12.78s in 2024, Olympic disappointment in Paris, and a triumphant return at the 2025 National Games with a 200m gold in 23.35s.
Returning to an eight-stride pattern improved her hurdle efficiency, reducing the impact on her legs and enhancing her overall performance. Athletics Federation of India President Adille Sumariwalla praised her as a “beacon of perseverance,” with support from Khelo India schemes helping boost India’s medal tally alongside other standout athletes like high jumper Tejaswin Shankar.
Eyes on the World Stage
This latest gold positions Yarraji as a serious contender for the 2026 World Championships in Tokyo, where a sub-12.73 entry time is required. With her refined race strategy, she is expected to challenge for global medals, inspiring a generation of rural girls to pursue athletics.
Beyond the Track
Jyothi Yarraji’s quiet dominance in rain-soaked stadiums represents more than athletic achievement—it symbolizes dedication, resilience, and national pride. Her story reflects the importance of supporting grassroots talent and investing in sports infrastructure, fostering unity and positive change across India. Her victories remind us that behind every medal lies discipline, sacrifice, and a vision that transcends individual glory.
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