Jyothi Yarraji, the fastest Indian hurdler, is poised to make history at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Supported by the Reliance Foundation, she will become the first Indian woman ever to compete in the women’s 100m hurdles at the prestigious sporting event. While the women’s 100m hurdles has been a fixture in the Olympics since 1972, this marks the first time an Indian athlete will grace the start list.
Nita M. Ambani, Founder & Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, expressed immense pride and joy: “We celebrate Jyothi Yarraji’s remarkable journey and unwavering dedication. Her historic qualification for the women’s 100m hurdles at the Olympics exemplifies the power of dreams and relentless hard work. Jyothi embodies the spirit, talent, and resilience of India’s youth.”
The reigning national record holder in her event, Jyothi achieved another milestone by winning silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Asian Games last year. Her tenacity was evident when she stood her ground after a false disqualification. Jyothi is the sole Indian woman to break the 13-second barrier, holding the 15 fastest times ever recorded by an Indian in this category. Her achievements have even spurred other athletes to surpass the longstanding national record set by Anuradha Biswal.
Jyothi’s personal best stands at 12.78 seconds, a feat she matched earlier this year at the Motonet GP in Finland despite a collision with the final hurdle. Her recent gold medal at the Senior Inter-State Athletics Championships further solidified her unbeaten streak on Indian soil.
The Trailblazer: An Inspirational Journey
Jyothi Yarraji’s path to the Olympics transcends mere records—it’s about inspiring an entire nation. Her resilience and determination underscore the importance of pursuing dreams. With unwavering support from the Reliance Foundation, she demonstrates that Indian athletes can compete at the highest international levels.
As Jyothi prepares to compete in Paris, she carries the hopes of millions eager to witness her historic moment. Beyond her personal achievement, her presence at the Olympics signals the rising prominence of Indian athletes on the global stage, inspiring future generations of women hurdlers.
Continuing the Legacy
Jyothi’s success reflects the growing support and development of sports in India, particularly through initiatives like those championed by the Reliance Foundation. Her journey will likely ignite passion in more young athletes, contributing to the overall growth and diversification of Indian sports.
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