India’s track and field stars Jyothi Yarraji and Avinash Sable delivered historic performances at the Asian Athletics Championships 2025, securing gold medals in their respective events and reinforcing India’s dominance on the continental stage.
Jyothi Yarraji Defends Title with Championship Record
India’s fastest hurdler, Jyothi Yarraji, successfully defended her 100m hurdles title, clocking a Championship Record of 12.96 seconds. She edged past Japan’s Yumi Tanaka and China’s Wu Yanni, both of whom finished at 13.07 seconds, to claim her second consecutive gold at the Asian Championships.
Yarraji’s victory marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first Indian woman to win back-to-back gold medals in the event. Her timing was just shy of her personal best of 12.78 seconds, which remains the national record.
Avinash Sable Ends India’s 36-Year Wait in Steeplechase
In the men’s 3000m steeplechase, Avinash Sable shattered a 36-year-long drought, becoming the first Indian since Dina Ram in 1989 to win gold in the event. Sable clocked a season-best 8:20.92 seconds, overtaking Japan’s Yutaro Niinae (8:24.41s) and Qatar’s Zakaria Elahlaami (8:27.12s) in the final lap.
Sable’s dominant performance showcased his tactical brilliance, as he surged ahead in the closing stages to secure a historic victory. His triumph adds to India’s growing medal tally at the championships, further solidifying the nation’s presence in Asian athletics.
India’s Medal Rush Continues
India’s women’s 4x400m relay team also clinched gold, with Jisna Mathew, Rupal Chaudhary, Kunja Rajitha, and Subha Venkatesan clocking a season-best 3:34.18 seconds. Meanwhile, the men’s 4x400m relay team secured silver, finishing behind Qatar.
With these victories, India’s medal tally has surged to 14, keeping the nation among the top contenders in the championship standings.
