Jyothi Yarraji won the women's 100m hurdles at the National Inter-State Championships on Thursday, completing a remarkable return to the track exactly one year after suffering a career-threatening ACL tear. The 25-year-old clocked 13.12 seconds to reclaim her national title, finishing ahead of Nithya Rajendran (13.45s) and Aparna Roy (13.51s).
Emotional victory after injury nightmare
Yarraji tore her anterior cruciate ligament during a training session in June 2025, an injury that typically sidelines athletes for 9-12 months. Her recovery included surgery and intensive rehabilitation at the Sports Authority of India's Bengaluru centre. "I never doubted I would come back, but crossing the finish line first made it all worth it," she said after the race.
The victory is particularly significant as it comes on the same weekend she was forced to withdraw from the 2025 edition of the championships. "Exactly one year ago, I was in a hospital bed wondering if I would ever race again. Today, I am the national champion," Yarraji added.
Dominant performance despite conditions
Despite a slight headwind of 0.2 m/s, Yarraji executed a clean race, clearing all hurdles without error. Her time of 13.12 seconds is the fastest by an Indian woman this season and ranks among her top five career performances. The previous record holder, Dutee Chand, did not compete in this event.
National coach P. Radhakrishnan praised her mental strength: "Jyothi's comeback is a testament to her discipline. Many athletes never return to their peak after an ACL injury, but she has shown exceptional resilience."
Impact on international prospects
This performance strengthens Yarraji's case for selection in the upcoming Asian Games and World Championships. She had previously set the national record of 12.78 seconds in 2024. The Athletics Federation of India is expected to announce the final squad next week.
Yarraji's victory also marks a milestone in Indian athletics, as she becomes the first woman to win three consecutive 100m hurdles national titles. Her journey from injury to champion serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.
