Jyothi Yarraji, India’s top hurdler, successfully defended her women’s 100m hurdles title at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, running a championship record 12.96 seconds under challenging conditions. The final, which took place on December 22 and 23, was conducted in a rain-hit and nearly empty stadium, but the absence of atmosphere had little effect on her focus.
Despite the slippery track, which frequently affects rhythm in hurdles, Yarraji executed a controlled race from start to end. She used an eight-stride pattern between hurdles as a tactical option to maintain balance and protect her hamstring following recent physical concerns. The strategy paid off, as she gradually surged ahead of the field before the final hurdle.
The timing marked her first run in under 13 seconds this season, highlighting her continental consistency. With this victory, Yarraji became the only Indian woman to win multiple medals in the 100m hurdles at the Asian Championships, adding to her 2023 gold.
Officials applauded her composure and mental strength, saying that her performance reflected maturity rather than risk. The victory strengthens India’s rising credibility in women’s sprint hurdling.
