Asian Games 2022: How did the medal of Jyothi Yarraji upgrade to silver?

At the 2022 Asian Games, the women’s 100m hurdles event was involved in a highly controversial incident. Yanni Wu from China was initially disqualified for a false start. However, to the astonishment of many, Jyothi Yarraji from India also got pointed out for the similar mistake. 

The tensions arose when track officials from China, upon noticing Yanni Wu’s early move from lane 5, also unexpectedly called Yarraji, who was in lane 4. The baffled Indian contender was quick to challenge the decision, asserting she hadn’t moved ahead of time. The video replays also backed her claim.

After about five minutes of heated exchanges and confusion, the race restarted. Both Jyothi Yarraji and Wu were permitted to compete, with the officials deciding to determine their standings post-race. As the event unfolded, another Chinese competitor, Lin Yuwei, won the competition, clocking an impressive 12.74 seconds. Yanni Wu followed closely and secured silver with 12.77 seconds. While, Jyoti finished third as he clocked a timing of 12.91 seconds.

Upgradation of medal from bronze to silver

However, the saga didn’t end there. Jyothi Yarraji’s initial bronze was later upgraded to silver. This shift came about after the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) quickly lodged an official protest against the unjust false start attributed to Jyothi Yarraji. 

A video featuring Adille Sumariwalla, World Athletics’ Vice-president and the head of the Athletics Federation of India, became viral about Jyothi Yarraji’s medal elevation to a silver medal.

Anju Bobby George, a renowned Indian long-jumper and the Vice-President of AFI, didn’t hold back her criticism. She remarked, “Officials wanted to make sure that Wu is running. They disturbed Jyothi, that was our concern, otherwise she could have run much better.” 

The 2003 World Championships bronze medalist further added, “The rule says who is leaving the ground first will be disqualified and Jyothi was still on the ground, so they cannot say Jyothi leaves the ground. The other girl was almost one and half step ahead of her and they came to Jyothi suddenly, it’s all drama they did.” Anju also stated, “It was very unusual, all the athletes and coaches were making sound, wrong decision, what are you doing.”

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