by Jyothi Yarraji Biography : In the high-velocity arena of track and field, where milliseconds decide the difference between victory and obscurity, Jyothi Yarraji has risen as the undisputed face of Indian sprinting. From a young girl in Visakhapatnam determined to lift her family out of financial struggle, she has evolved into a two-time Asian Champion and the first Indian woman to clock under 13 seconds in the 100m hurdles. Her journey blends extraordinary natural ability with unwavering discipline, breaking records that stood untouched for decades.
For readers of Net Worth Guru, Jyothi’s success story reflects the true worth of perseverance. Where many athletes reach their limit early, Jyothi has continued to sharpen her performance year after year — transforming from a domestic star into a world-class competitor. Her Olympic debut at Paris 2024 and her successful Asian title defense in 2025 have established her not only as a champion athlete but also as a symbol of speed, elegance, and mental strength.
What makes Jyothi’s biography so compelling is her quiet rise to greatness. While modern athletes thrive on digital attention, Jyothi remains known as the “Silent Champion,” choosing performance over publicity and letting her results speak for her. Backed by world-class training support from the Reliance Foundation, her story proves how the right ecosystem can help a security guard’s daughter grow into one of India’s most valuable sporting icons.
By 2026, Jyothi stands at the summit of Asian athletics. Having bounced back from a brief injury spell to claim yet another championship record, she is no longer just crossing hurdles — she is shaping a legacy. This biography explores both the technical “how” behind her eight-stride approach and the human story of the humble athlete who continues to make India proud every time she takes her position on the starting line.
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Who is Jyothi Yarraji?
Jyothi Yarraji is one of India’s leading track and field athletes and the current National Record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles. Born on August 28, 1999, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, she grew up in a modest family where sports initially seemed out of reach. Her father, Suryanarayana, worked as a private security guard, while her mother, Kumari, took up jobs as a domestic worker and hospital cleaner.
Her athletic talent was first identified by her school physical education teacher, who introduced her to hurdles — a decision that changed her life forever.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jyothi Yarraji |
| Nickname | The Hurdle Queen / Sprint Queen |
| Date of Birth | August 28, 1999 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 26 Years |
| Birthplace | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Height | 5′ 9″ (176 cm) |
| Education | B.A. in History (Acharya Nagarjuna University) |
| Coach | James Hillier (Reliance Foundation) |
| Current Ranking | Top 50 in World Athletics (100m Hurdles) |
| Major Awards | Arjuna Award (2024) |
| Known For | First Indian woman to run sub-13 seconds in 100m hurdles |
How Did Jyothi Yarraji Break the 13-Second Barrier?
Jyothi’s path to breaking the 13-second mark was the result of key technical refinement. Under coach James Hillier, she transitioned from experimenting with a seven-stride start to adopting a more powerful eight-stride approach before the first hurdle. This adjustment helped her sustain momentum throughout the race, particularly in the closing stretch.
She first shattered India’s long-standing national record in 2022 at the Cyprus International Meet. But her most iconic moment came in 2023 at the FISU World University Games, where she clocked an extraordinary 12.78 seconds. This performance proved that an Indian hurdler could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global elites. Even in challenging weather conditions in 2025, she ran 12.96 seconds — reinforcing that her sub-13 timing was the product of world-class preparation.
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Career Milestones & Medal Data of Jyothi Yarraji
| Competition | Year | Event | Medal / Rank | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asian Athletics C’ships | 2025 | 100m Hurdles | Gold (Record) | 12.96s |
| Paris Olympics | 2024 | 100m Hurdles | Debutant | 13.17s |
| Asian Indoor C’ships | 2024 | 60m Hurdles | Gold | 8.12s |
| Asian Games (Hangzhou) | 2023 | 100m Hurdles | Silver | 12.91s |
| Asian Athletics C’ships | 2023 | 100m Hurdles | Gold | 13.08s |
| World University Games | 2023 | 100m Hurdles | Bronze | 12.78s (NR) |
Net Worth and Brand Influence
In the early phase of her journey, Jyothi worked as a Junior Clerk with the Indian Railways, earning a modest income. But her financial profile changed significantly after joining the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and training under the Reliance Foundation.
By 2026, her estimated net worth stands between ₹1.5 Crore and ₹3 Crore — boosted by performance incentives, international prize money, sponsorships, and sports brand collaborations. With her Arjuna Award recognition and Olympic exposure, she has emerged as a preferred athlete ambassador in the fitness and sports ecosystem.
Jyothi Yarraji Biography FAQ
What is Jyothi Yarraji’s current National Record?
As of early 2026, her official National Record in the 100m hurdles is 12.78 seconds, achieved in 2023 and matched again in 2024.
Is Jyothi Yarraji an Olympian?
Yes. She became the first Indian woman to compete in the 100m hurdles at the Olympic Games during Paris 2024.
Who is Jyothi Yarraji’s coach?
She is trained by James Hillier at the Reliance Foundation High-Performance Centre in Bhubaneswar.
What award did she receive in 2024?
She was honored with the Arjuna Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Indian athletics.
Does she compete in other sprinting events?
Yes. Along with hurdles, she participates in the 200m and 60m hurdles (indoor), and recently won gold in the 200m at the 2025 National Games with a timing of 23.35 seconds.
