Safar Champions Ka goes beyond the arena to explore the journeys of Reliance Foundation Sports athletes, their experiences, challenges, turning points and the people who have shaped their careers. In this episode, Jyothi Yarraji’s journey unfolds through the memories of her mother, the belief of her coach James Hillier and Jyothi’s own determination to keep moving forward.
For Jyothi’s mother, Kumari Yarraji, her daughter’s journey was not always easy to understand or accept. Reflecting on those early years, she recalls the questions she had about her daughter pursuing sport and the challenges surrounding her journey.
“I went to her school and asked teachers why she is also doing sports as a girl, neighbours are objecting but our Jyothi was fearless, she used to go to practice at 5am, then school at 8am, then again after school practice at 5pm.”
That demanding routine became part of Jyothi’s life from an early stage. Balancing school with two training sessions a day required discipline and determination, qualities that would continue to define her journey.
For James Hillier, the discovery of Jyothi began with a race video. After arriving in India in November 2019 and actively looking for high quality athletes, Hillier saw a video of Jyothi’s race at the 2020 All India University Championships, where she won gold. A few months later, he watched her compete live at the Khelo India University Games.
“There was something about the way she was moving, the way she was taking the hurdles. It was so graceful. She naturally has some special quality,” Hillier recalls.
Jyothi’s journey then took an important turn. After her schooling, coaches recognised that competing in hurdles could be more useful for her. Her training continued to evolve, with speed becoming an important focus.
In 2025, Hillier explains that the team “taken a slightly different approach” and worked more on Jyothi’s speed. “So she was running personal best in all her sprint training.”
The progress led to plans for a European exposure trip, with competitions lined up for Jyothi. But just before the trip, an unexpected setback arrived.
“I wake up in the morning, I get a phone call. Jyothi's got injured,” Hillier recalls.
- The injury affected him deeply. “I was so upset because I wasn't there. And I still blame myself now for not being there.”
But Jyothi responded with strength. Hillier remembers her telling him, “No, coach. I'm strong. I'm going to get through this. Don't worry, coach.”
Her words stayed with him. “And she literally, you know, inspired me. It was amazing. It was like a role reversal. It really was.”
Jyothi remained confident about her comeback, saying, “I feel like two times stronger than before and I'll come back soon.”
Her journey has also begun inspiring others. After the Asian Games, Jyothi recalls people approaching her and telling her that their daughters wanted to become like her. For an athlete who once followed a demanding routine of early morning and evening training alongside school, that impact carries a meaning beyond the track.
Now, the focus turns towards another major ambition. Hillier believes the Asian Games are a realistic target. “Asian Games is a realistic target and our goal is to go there and win the Asian Games.”
And his belief in Jyothi remains unwavering: “I believe that she can do it.”
From a fearless young girl who balanced school with relentless training to an athlete chasing a major Asian Games goal, Jyothi Yarraji’s Safar Champions Ka story is one of discipline, resilience and the courage to keep moving forward.