Want to Give My Parents the Life they Deserve: Jyothi Yarraji Seeks Andhra Govt's Support To Overcome Financial Challenges

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India's 'hurdle queen,' Jyothi Yarraji, has been unstoppable on the track. The 25-year-old athlete from Visakhapatnam showcased her dominance once again at the National Games 2025 in Uttarakhand, where she clinched two gold medals.

Yarraji, who previously won a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, broke the National Games record twice in a single day in the 100m hurdles event, clocking 13.10 seconds in the final to secure her place in the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea.

Despite her consistent achievements, Yarraji finds herself grappling with financial challenges, urging the Andhra Pradesh government to extend the much-needed financial aid. In a heartfelt appeal, Yarraji reflected her desire to ensure a better standard of living for her family and inspire future generations of athletes from her state.

Jyothi's journey to the top has been remarkable. Breaking records has become second nature to her, but what makes her story extraordinary is the uphill battle she has fought, both on and off the track.

At the National Games, she not only claimed gold in her signature 100m hurdles but also excelled in the 200m, securing another medal with a timing of 23.35 seconds - despite it not being her primary event.

While her name shines in headlines, the reality at home paints a starkly different picture. Her father works as a security guard, earning a modest monthly income of ₹7,000 - barely enough to sustain a family, let alone support an elite athlete's training and competition needs. Thank god for the Reliance Foundation Youth Sports, which sponsors Jyothi, the athlete gets proper training and nutrition but that support alone won't uplift her family for the government's support brings jobs, cash rewards, etc.

Before the start of the athletics competition at Maharana Pratap Sports College in Dehradun, an article from myKhel highlighted Yarraji's plight. After her competition, the website followed up with the Visakhapatnam-based athlete if state government representatives (present in Dehradun), spoke to her or gave any assurances.

In an emotional interview with myKhel, Yarraji shared her family's struggles and her frustration with the disparity in state policies when it comes to rewarding athletes.

"For the same Asian Games silver medal, athletes in other states are given ₹3 crores, while I received ₹20 lakhs. Why is there no equality? My parents have sacrificed so much, yet we still struggle to make ends meet," she lamented.

Her voice trembled as she spoke of her mother, who has never stepped outside Vizag due to financial constraints. "My mother doesn't even know what athletics means on a global scale. She's never seen the world outside Vizag. I want to give my parents the life they deserve, but I need support to make that happen."

Yarraji's appeal goes beyond her personal struggles. She fears that the lack of support for athletes like her will discourage younger talents in Andhra Pradesh. "If I, despite achieving so much, can't get proper support, what message does that send to the youngsters? They'll feel demotivated, thinking there's no reward for their hard work."

The hurdler stressed the need for a level playing field, where all athletes, regardless of their discipline or state, are rewarded equally. "Cricketers at the national level earn crores. Why can't athletics get the same recognition? Equality in sports is essential," she said passionately.

Yarraji has faced multiple challenges, including injuries that drained her financially and emotionally. Missing out on the prestigious Arjuna Award ceremony was another blow to her morale. "It was a dream for me and my parents to attend the ceremony, but circumstances didn't allow it. It hurt deeply," she admitted.

Despite these setbacks, she remains focused on her goals. Her target for 2025 is to break into the sub-12.6-second mark in the 100m hurdles, a feat that would further cement her legacy.

Yarraji's story is a poignant reminder of the financial struggles many Indian athletes face despite their global achievements. As she trains tirelessly to bring glory to the nation, she continues to hope that her state government will step forward to support her dreams and recognize her efforts.

"I am requesting the media and the people to amplify my plea. If the government supports me, not only will I be able to move forward, but I will also inspire countless others in my state," she said with hope in her voice.

For a star like Jyothi Yarraji, who has already given so much to Indian athletics, the question remains - will the system give back?