Harshvardhan Mishra
Jyothi Yarraji’s emphatic run at the Asian Athletics Championships 2025 in Gumi was more than just another gold medal—it was a statement. Clocking 12.96 seconds in challenging, rain-soaked conditions, she defended her women’s 100m hurdles title and set a new championship record, reinforcing her position as one of Asia’s most dependable hurdlers.
At just 25, Yarraji has already carved out a reputation for technical precision, consistency under pressure, and steady year-on-year improvement. Her journey—from a modest upbringing in Andhra Pradesh to elite international podiums—mirrors the changing landscape of Indian women’s athletics. Here’s a detailed look at her life, career, and achievements.
Early Life, Background and Age
Born on August 28, 1999, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Jyothi Yarraji is currently 25 years old. She grew up in financially constrained circumstances, with her father employed as a private security guard and her mother working in hospital cleaning roles. Limited resources defined her early years, but sport emerged as a means of opportunity and upward mobility.
Her athletic potential was first spotted during her school days at Port High School Krishna in Vizag. Coaches quickly noticed her natural agility, balance, and coordination—traits well suited for hurdling. Even as a teenager, Yarraji displayed unusual discipline and focus, qualities that would later define her professional career.
Training Journey and Technical Development
Jyothi’s competitive journey began in earnest in 2015, when she won gold at an Andhra Pradesh inter-district meet. Recognising her promise, she joined the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Hyderabad in 2016. There, she trained under N Ramesh, an Olympian and Dronacharya Award recipient, who helped her build a solid technical base in hurdling fundamentals.
A major turning point came in 2019, when she moved to the Odisha Reliance Athletics High Performance Centre in Bhubaneswar. Under the guidance of British coach James Hillier, her training became more data-driven and internationally aligned. She worked extensively on hurdle clearance efficiency, sprint mechanics, stride patterning, and race execution. This phase elevated her from a strong domestic athlete to a serious international contender.
Records, Setbacks and Breakthrough Moments
Despite her talent, Yarraji’s early career was marked by frustration. Several impressive timings were rendered invalid due to wind assistance or technical rule violations, delaying official record recognition. These setbacks tested her patience and resilience.
Her long-awaited breakthrough arrived in May 2022 at the Cyprus International Meet, where she clocked 13.23 seconds—officially breaking India’s long-standing national record in the women’s 100m hurdles. From that point onward, she consistently delivered sub-13-second performances, proving that the record was no one-off. Her ability to sustain form across multiple seasons soon became one of her defining strengths.
Medal Record and Continental Dominance
Jyothi Yarraji’s rise on the continental stage has been marked by consistency and podium finishes:
- Asian Athletics Championships 2023 – Gold (100m hurdles)
- FISU World University Games 2023 – Bronze
- Asian Games 2023 – Silver
- Asian Athletics Championships 2025 (Gumi) – Gold (defended title, championship record)
Defending her Asian Championships crown in 2025 under difficult weather conditions highlighted not just her speed, but her mental toughness and race management skills. These results have firmly established her among Asia’s elite sprint hurdlers.
Olympics, Awards and Future Goals
Jyothi made her Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games, where she exited in the repechage round. While the campaign did not yield a medal, the experience added invaluable exposure to the highest level of global competition and contributed to her growing maturity as an athlete.
In recognition of her sustained excellence, she was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2024, one of India’s highest sporting accolades.
Looking ahead, Yarraji is focused on refining her reaction time, hurdle rhythm, and top-end speed to bridge the gap with the world’s best. With ambitions that include strong performances at the World Athletics Championships, she remains a key figure in India’s future track and field plans.
The Bigger Picture
At 25, Jyothi Yarraji stands as a symbol of modern Indian athletics—rooted in resilience, supported by structured high-performance systems, and driven by incremental improvement. Her journey underscores how consistent training, technical discipline, and mental strength can transform raw potential into international success.
As Indian women’s track events gain momentum on the global stage, Jyothi Yarraji is not just part of the movement—she is leading it.
