Asian Athletics 2025: Jyothi Yarraji smashes record, Avinash Sable ends 36-year wait
Asian Games gold medallist Avinash Sable ended India's 36-year-long wait for a gold medal in the men's 3000m steeplechase at the Asian Athletics Championships with a commanding victory on Thursday, 29 May. Sable clocked a season-best 8:20.92s to take the top podium spot in Gumi, South Korea-his second medal at the continental meet after winning silver in Doha in 2019.With this historic run, Sable became the first Indian man since Dina Ram in 1989 to win the 3000m steeplechase at the Asian Championships.advertisementLater in the day, Jyothi Yarraji successfully defended her 100m hurdles crown in spectacular fashion. The Asian Games silver medallist surged to gold with a Championship Record of 12.96s, edging past Japan's Tanaka and China's Wu-both of whom clocked 13.06s-to clinch India's fourth gold at the meet.
Jyothi's timing on Thursday was only behind her personal best of 12.78s, a national record achieved in 2023.Jyothi Yarraji defends her crown in style!India's Hurdle Queen brings home India's 4th Gold at #AsianAthleticsChampionships2025 by winning the 100m Women's Hurdles in a stunning 12.96s, shattering the Championship Record!She was trailing until the last 4 hurdles, pic.twitter.com/Ef1xJV05As— nnis Sports (@nnis_sports) May 29, 2025Yarraji, who had a difficult run-up to the championships due to injury, was not the quickest off the blocks and trailed Tanaka and Wu for much of the race. But the Indian star displayed exceptional grit in the final stretch, using clean hurdle clearance and powerful strides to surge past her rivals and finish strong. The gold will serve as a huge confidence boost in this World Championships year.SABLE CLINCHES DOMINANT WINadvertisementOne of India's most consistent performers on the international track and field stage, Sable lived up to expectations with a dominant display from gun to tape. A seasoned campaigner with experience at World Championships and Diamond League meets, the 30-year-old made the race his own.Sable's authority was such that he lapped at least one runner on his final circuit. Japan's Yutaro Niinae, who eventually settled for silver with a time of 8:24.41s, had momentarily taken the lead going into the final lap. But Sable, showing his trademark composure and tactical strength, powered past him in the closing stages to secure a memorable win. Qatar's Zakaria Elahlaami took bronze in 8:27.12s.The gold was India's third at the championships after the mixed 4x400m relay team triumphed on Wednesday, following Gulveer Singh's impressive win in the men's 10,000m on Tuesday. Jyothi Yarraji's medal later in the day ensured India remained in the top three of the overall medal table.Relay Team Shines, Distance Runners DeliverEarlier on Thursday, India's men's 4x400m relay team-comprising Rince Joseph, Dharmveer Choudhary, Manu Thekkinalil Saji and Mohit Kumar-stormed into the final with a scintillating, record-breaking run that topped their heat and gave a strong signal of intent for the medal round.advertisementIn the women's 10,000m final, Sanjeevani Jadhav clocked a season's best 33:08.17s to finish fifth, just ahead of compatriot Seema, who recorded 33:08.23s for sixth place. The event was dominated by Kazakhstan's Daisy Jepkemei, who blazed through in 30:48.44s. Japan's Ririrak Hironika (30:56.32s) and Mikuni Yada (31:12.21s) completed the podium.
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