Early Life and Background
Jyothi Yarraji was born on August 28, 1999, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Growing up in a humble setting, Jyothi’s father, Suryanarayana, worked as a security guard, while her mother took up domestic work to support the family. Despite the financial constraints, Jyothi’s family supported her passion for athletics.
Jyothi attended Port High School in Visakhapatnam, where her talent in sports began to shine. After completing her schooling, she pursued her education at a college affiliated with Acharya Nagarjuna University. Her commitment to athletics led her to join the Sports Authority of India (SAI) hostel in Hyderabad. Here, she trained under the guidance of Olympian coach N. Ramesh, who is also a recipient of the Dronacharya Award.
Rise to Fame
Jyothi’s dedication and hard work paid off when she moved to Guntur to join the Centre of Excellence. In 2019, she began training with British coach James Hillier at the Reliance Athletics High-Performance Centre in Bhubaneswar. Under Hillier’s mentorship, Jyothi honed her skills and prepared for major athletic challenges.
One of the significant moments in her career came on May 10, 2022, when Jyothi broke the long-standing Indian national record in the 100-meter hurdles. She clocked an impressive time of 13.23 seconds, surpassing the previous record held by Anuradha Biswal. This achievement marked the beginning of a series of record-breaking performances for Jyothi.
Career Highlights
Jyothi Yarraji’s career took a major leap forward with her performance at the 2022 Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China. She initially faced a setback when she was disqualified for a false start. However, after a review and the disqualification of a Chinese competitor, Jyothi was awarded the silver medal in the 100-meter hurdles. This was a significant achievement, showcasing her resilience and determination.
In early 2023, Jyothi continued to make headlines by breaking the national record for indoor 60 meters hurdles five times. She also won a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships held in Astana, Kazakhstan. These accomplishments further solidified her status as one of India’s top athletes.
Overcoming Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic and a back injury in 2021 presented significant challenges for Jyothi. The pandemic led to the cancellation of many events, and her injury kept her from competing. However, Jyothi made a strong comeback in 2022. She represented India at the Commonwealth Games, competing in the 100 meters hurdles and also being part of the Indian Women’s 4×100 meters relay team that finished fifth in the finals.
Her performance at the 2022 National Games in India was exceptional, as she won gold medals in both the 100 meters and 100 meters hurdles. On October 17, 2022, Jyothi achieved another milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to clock under 13 seconds in the 100 meters hurdles. This performance made her the second-best Asian hurdler of the year and the 11th best Asian hurdler of all time.
Recognition and Achievements
Jyothi’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. At the 2022 Indian Open Nationals, she was named the best female athlete, recognizing her exceptional performance and contribution to Indian athletics. Her continuous improvement and record-breaking feats have earned her a prominent place in Indian sports history.
Future Prospects
Jyothi Yarraji’s journey from a small town in Andhra Pradesh to becoming a national and international athletics star is truly inspiring. Her story reflects the power of perseverance, hard work, and the support of a strong support system. With her remarkable achievements and dedication, Jyothi is poised to continue making a significant impact in the world of athletics.
