[Watch] Jyothi Yarraji trains hard in Poland ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics
India’s ace 100m hurdler Jyothi Yarraji has been training hard at the Olympic Sports Center in Spala, Poland. Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has shared the video of Jyothi practicing hurdling before she heads to the French capital for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Notably, Jyothi Yarraji secured her Paris Olympics 2024 quota through the World Rankings route. It’s worth noting that this will be the first time an Indian athlete will be starting on the start list since the game’s induction into the Olympics in 1972.
“Wishing the reigning Asian Athletics champion in 100m hurdles, @JyothiYarraji the best of luck as she practices for precision in Spala, Poland for #ParisOlympics2024! Her dedication and perseverance are truly inspiring,” Dr. Mansukh wrote on X.
Jyothi Yarraji recently topped the 100m hurdles qualifiers in the Warsaw meet
Jyothi Yarraji and a few other Indian athletes took part in the Warszawskie Zawody Lekkoatletyczne 2024 athletics meet in Poland last week. Interestingly, Jyothi clocked 13.29 seconds to top the women's 100m hurdles qualifiers in the Warsaw meet. However, she didn't compete in the final.
Furthermore, she competed in the women's 200m event in the Warsaw meet, clocking 23.53 seconds to secure the second spot behind her fellow compatriot Kiran Pahal, who clocked 23.33 seconds, the Indian best timing of the season.
The 29-member Indian athletics team will arrive in Paris on Sunday, July 28. Track and field competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympics are scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 1.
The Andhra Pradesh-born athlete Jyothi could’ve secured direct entry into the Paris 2024 Olympics if not for an injury to her leg she suffered in May 2024. She clocked 12.78 seconds at the Monet Grand Prix in Finland, missing the direct entry mark by only 0.01 seconds.
Most recently at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Panchkula, Haryana, she made a strong comeback, clinching the gold medal, clocking 13.54 seconds.
It’s important to note that Jyothi Yarraji is the only Indian female to bag a medal in the women’s 100m hurdles event at the Asian Games. She secured the silver medal at the Asian Games in 2023 in Hangzhou, China.