Until 2021, all her cash prizes were channelled towards accommodation and training costs. However, her journey took a turn when she secured sponsorship from the Reliance Foundation in Mumbai, which has since provided unwavering support. Despite this, Yarraji highlights the stark contrast in support for athletes in India compared to other nations. “Unlike in other States and countries, there is very little support, recognition, and awareness here. If I go to my village and mention that I am a 100-metre hurdler, they often ask if I run kilometres. In contrast, sports like cricket are celebrated far more.”
Motivated by her experiences, Jyothi emphasised the urgent need for better sports infrastructure and recognition: “As an athlete, when I return home to Visakhapatnam, I don’t even have access to a basic running track to recover after injuries.
If this is the condition for athletes, what about those who aspire to be like us? We need proper local infrastructure to encourage young people in our society and raise awareness about the importance of all sports, not just a few.”
Looking ahead, Jyothi remains driven by her family’s unwavering support and her own aspirations. “It is not just my hard work but also my parents’ efforts and blessings that have brought me here today. I aim to achieve financial independence and provide a better life for my hardworking parents,” she expressed.
