Has Jyothi Yarraji won gold at Asian Games in Hangzhou?
On Tuesday, social media was abuzz with celebrities like singer Asha Bhosle and former India cricketers like Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman celebrating hurdler Jyothi Yarraji claiming India’s third gold medal at the ongoing Asian Games in Hangzhou. Many politicians and bureaucrats, besides other verified Twitter handles, also got in on the act, celebrating the achievement of Yarraji.
However, the celebrities had jumped the gun a few days. Yarraji’s event, the heats for the women’s 100m hurdles will be held on September 30 (6.45 am ) while the final is scheduled for October 1 (6.45 pm).
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In fact, Yarraji travelled to Hangzhou only on Tuesday, as evidenced her coach James Hillier posting an image of Yarraji, himself and Amlan Borgohain (the country’s fastest man) with the caption: “En route to Hangzhou for the Asian Games.”
The Reliance Foundation Youth Sports handle also debunked the fake news, tweeting: “We know Jyothi Yarraji is fast but she’s still on her way to Hangzhou for the Asian Games and will be competing on 30th Sep. The clip that has been circulating is from her Gold Medal winning race at the Asian Athletics Championships in Thailand in July. We’re sure she’ll be delighted with all the wishes and we encourage you to join us in manifesting another medal-winning performance at the Asian Games soon!”
While Yarraji has a decent chance to win a medal at the Asian Games, clearly many celebs had made a false start. They shared a video from her win at the Asian Athletics Championships earlier in the year. Most Read
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“This gold medal is true testament that dreams come true irrespective of circumstances. Way to go Jyothi Yaraaji,” tweeted World Cup winner Gambhir.
“Heartiest congratulations to Yaraaji from Andhra Pradesh for winning the Gold for 100mts hurdles at the Asian Games,” posted legendary singer Bhosle.
So far India have won only two gold medals at Hangzhou 2023, the first coming from the Indian men’s 10m rifle shooting team and the second coming via the women’s cricket team.
