Tue Dec 23 13:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text about Jyoti Yarraji and India’s performance at the Asian Athletics Championships:
Indian Sprinter Jyoti Yarraji’s Emotional Gold Medal Win Goes Viral
Gumi, South Korea – India secured the second position in the medal tally at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships, held in Gumi from May 27-31, 2025, with a haul of 24 medals (8 gold, 10 silver, and 6 bronze). China secured first place. However, the victory that resonated most deeply was Indian star Jyoti Yarraji’s gold medal in the women’s 100m hurdles.
Yarraji dominated the race, finishing in 12.96 seconds, setting a new championship record and a personal best for the season. It was her second consecutive Asian Athletics Championship title in the event. Despite a slow start, she surged ahead in the final stretch, surpassing competitors from Japan and China.
The emotional high point came during the medal ceremony. With the stadium largely empty due to rain, the playing of the Indian national anthem and the unfurling of the national flag brought tears to Yarraji’s eyes. A video of this poignant moment has gone viral on social media, capturing the hearts of fans and cricket enthusiasts alike.
Yarraji’s journey to success has been challenging. Born in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, to parents with limited income (her father is a security guard and her mother a sanitation worker), she overcame significant obstacles to pursue her athletic dreams. Her talent was recognized early by her physical education teacher, and she has since become a national record holder and Asian Games silver medalist. She currently trains under British coach James Hillier at the Reliance High Performance Center.
India’s success in the championship extended beyond Yarraji’s victory. Avinash Sable ended a 36-year drought by winning gold in the men’s 3000m steeplechase. Gulveer Singh secured double gold in the 5000m and 10000m events. Additional gold medals were won by Pooja Singh (high jump), Nandini Agasara (heptathlon), and the women’s 4x400m relay team. Over 60 Indian athletes participated in the championships.
Jyoti Yarraji’s story serves as an inspiration, especially for young women from rural backgrounds. Her achievement at the Asian Athletics Championships signals a promising future for Indian athletics, with hopes high for continued success on the global stage.
First Piper 