Reliance Foundation’s Jyothi Yarraji Secures Gold

Create A New National Record at Asian Indoor Athletics Championships

Mumbai: Reliance Foundation’s athlete Jyothi Yarraji clinched India’s first medal at the current Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in Tehran, Iran, securing gold in the 60m hurdles event with a new national record time of 8.12s. This remarkable performance marks a stellar beginning to Jyothi’s 2024 season, surpassing her own previous NR set during last year’s tournament in Kazakhstan, where she secured silver.

Expressing her delight at the achievement, Jyothi Yarraji remarked, “Participating in the Asian Indoor Athletics Championship was an incredibly enriching experience. Being the first international competition of the season, I’m thrilled with my performance. This gold medal holds a special place for me. Despite grappling with hamstring discomfort last week, the relentless support from my team and physiotherapists at Reliance Foundation ensured I was in prime condition for the competition. I extend my gratitude to the Odisha government and the Reliance Foundation for their unwavering support in my preparation. I’m content with my season’s commencement.”

Jyothi underwent rigorous training at the Kalinga Indoor Athletics Stadium in preparation for the event. Additionally, she actively participated in the inaugural indoor athletics test meet hosted by the Odisha Reliance Foundation Athletics High Performance Center. Continuing her impressive form from 2023, where she secured silver in the 100m hurdles event at the Asian Games and bagged two medals at the Asian Championships, Jyothi has consistently showcased her prowess on the track.

James Hillier, the Athletics Director at Reliance Foundation, commended Jyothi’s performance, stating, “It’s an outstanding achievement for Jyothi. Our three-week training camp in Bhubaneswar proved instrumental in her preparation. Despite a minor injury during training, which hindered her for a week, she has bounced back admirably. This victory sets a positive tone for her season.”

Jyothi, scouted into the RF Athletics Program in 2021, has been a resident athlete at various high performance centers, notably in Odisha and, more recently, at the RF National Athletics Centre located at the Jio Institute in Ulwe.

Among the Indian contingent comprising 15 athletes, seven representing India at the Asian Indoor Championships have trained at RF Centers across Ulwe (Sprints & Throws), Coonoor (Endurance), and Bhubaneswar (Jumps).

The Reliance Foundation Athletes competing at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships include: