Asian Games: Why Hangzhou silver medalist Jyothi Yarraji skips 100m hurdles

Jyothi Yarraji (ANI Photo) NEW DELHI: India’s 100m hurdles medal hopes suffered a setback on Saturday after last year’s silver medalist Jyothi Yarraji did not start her heat in the first round of the 2026 Asian Games as she felt pain during the warm-up.A top official of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) told PTI that Yarraji pulled out after the warm-up. The hurdler had a minor stress injury in her knee and was included in the 75-member Indian athletics squad only after receiving a last-minute fitness clearance.“She felt pain after warming up completely,” the official said.

Yarraji’s comeback interrupted by knee concern

Yarraji returned to competition this year after undergoing surgery in July 2025 to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee. Her withdrawal from Saturday’s event came after that comeback, with a knee problem raising concerns ahead of the rest of India’s athletics campaign.The 100m hurdles silver medalist from the previous year was among India’s key medal hopes in the event. Her DNS (did not start) meant she could not compete in the opening round.Asian Games full coverage | Medal Tally | Schedule

Kongan keeps India’s hopes alive

Nandhini Kongan kept India in contention by qualifying for the women’s 100m hurdles final. She finished fourth in Heat 2 in 13.48 seconds to advance through the qualifying route.Japan’s Mako Fukube won the heat in 12.85 seconds, followed by China’s Yanni Wu in 13.18 and Indonesia’s Dina Aulia in 13.39.

Kujur advances to the 200 m final

A positive result for India in the men’s 200 as Animesh Kujur qualified for the final after finishing second in the third semi-final heat. Kujur secured automatic qualification with a time of 20.81 seconds.Thailand’s Puripol Boonson won the semifinal in 20.10 seconds, setting a Games record.