l At 25, Yarraji made history as the first Indian woman to qualify for 100m hurdles at Paris Olympics
Visakhapatnam’s pride, 25-year-old Jyothi Yarraji, is once again making headlines in the world of sports. Recently selected for the prestigious Arjuna Award, Yarraji has cemented her place in history as the first Indian woman to qualify for the 100m hurdles at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. Although she narrowly missed the automatic qualification mark by just 0.01 seconds, her impressive world ranking earned her a spot in this prestigious global event.
The Arjuna Award, which honours excellence, leadership, and discipline in sports, will be conferred upon Yarraji by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17. Speaking to The Pioneer, an excited Jyothi shared, “I am extremely honoured to receive the Arjuna Award. It feels like a dream come true, and I’m deeply grateful for the support of my family, coaches, and everyone who believed in me.”
Yarraji’s journey to becoming one of India’s top athletes is a testament to her grit and determination. Despite growing up in financial hardship, she has risen to the top of her field, her remarkable speed on the track earning her comparisons to a cheetah. Facing hurdles such as injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic, Jyothi’s perseverance has remained unwavering. “I never lost hope, no matter how tough the journey was,” she shared. “Running is my passion, and I promised myself that I would never stop chasing my dreams.”
Born on August 28, 1999, in a modest household, Yarraji’s athletic career began at Port High School, where her potential was spotted by her physical education teacher. While early financial constraints limited her training opportunities, Jyothi remained committed to her dreams, funding her athletic pursuits with the cash prizes she earned. The turning point came in 2021 when she secured sponsorship from the Reliance Foundation, further propelling her career forward.
In 2016, Yarraji joined the Sports Authority of India hostel and began training under Olympian N Ramesh. She later honed her skills under British coach James Hillier at the Reliance Athletics High-Performance Centre. Her breakthrough moment came in 2022, when she shattered the national record for the 100m hurdles, completing the race in 13.23 seconds—a record she has broken multiple times since.
Yarraji’s list of achievements is nothing short of extraordinary. She claimed a gold medal in 100m hurdles at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships, a silver in 200m, a bronze at the World University Games, and another silver at the 2022 Asian Games. Reflecting on her success, Jyothi credited her parents’ sacrifices. “It is not just my hard work, but also my parents’ efforts and blessings that brought me here. Their support has been the foundation for everything I have achieved.”
Currently pursuing a history degree at Acharya Nagarjuna University, Yarraji remains focused on her athletic goals. As India’s fastest female hurdler, she holds a world ranking of 24th, securing her place in the upcoming Paris Olympics. “To win a gold at the Asian Athletics Championships and break records along the way is a proud moment for me and for our country,” she said.
“I hope to inspire the next generation of athletes.”
Now training at the Reliance Foundation High-Performance Centre in Mumbai, Yarraji is preparing for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo later this year. “Being part of the World Athletics Championships is a huge step for me, and I’m excited to compete at the highest level,” she said. “My journey is just beginning, and I will keep striving for excellence.” Jyothi Yarraji’s story is one of resilience, hard work, and determination. Her remarkable journey is a powerful reminder that with perseverance and the support of loved ones, no challenge is too great to overcome.
