Nita Ambani sends message as Jyothi Yarraji creates record at Asian Athletics Championship

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Reliance Foundation's Jyothi Yarraji scripted history in style at the Asian Athletics Championship by becoming the 1st Indian ever to win gold in the 100m hurdles event at the continental championships in Bangkok, Thailand on Thursday.

In wet and slippery conditions due to heavy rain, Jyothi clocked a time of 13.09s in the final to finish on top in a strong field. Japan's Asuka Terada (13.13s) and Masumi Aoki (13.26s) won silver and bronze respectively.

In 22 previous editions of the tournament, the only Indians to medal in the 100m hurdles event were Anuradha Biswal (bronze in 2000) and Jayapal Hemasree (bronze in 2013).

And after Yarraji's historic victory, the Reliance Foundation founder Nita Ambani ushered praises on her.

"You have shown the power of grit and determination coupled with an extremely high degree of skill and finesse. You have made the country proud and stand tall as an inspiration to all aspiring athletes and young girls who dream of making it big in sports," Nita Ambani said.

With the win, Yarraji has now qualified for the World Championships and she is ecstatic after achieving her goal.

"I am happy with the consistency I have been showing in my races recently. I was expecting competition from the Japanese sprinters, but did not go in thinking much about medals, rather my focus was on running a good time. Being consistent with clocking sub-13s timings, I am confident now about achieving my goals of consistently clocking sub 12.9, 12.8 and 12.7s timings in the near future," Yarraji said.