NEW DELHI: India’s hopes of a medal in the women’s 100m hurdles suffered a setback on Saturday after last edition’s silver medallist Jyothi Yarraji did not start her first-round heat at the Asian Games 2026, having felt pain during her warm-up.A top official of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) told PTI that Yarraji pulled out after completing her warm-up. The hurdler had been carrying a minor stress injury in her knee and was included in India’s 75-member athletics squad only after receiving fitness clearance at the last minute.“She felt pain after a full warm-up,” the official said.
Knee concern interrupts Yarraji’s comeback
Yarraji returned to competition this year after undergoing surgery in July 2025 to repair an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in her right knee. Her withdrawal from Saturday’s heat came after that comeback, with the knee issue raising concerns ahead of the rest of India’s athletics campaign.The 100m hurdles silver medallist from the previous edition had been among India’s key medal hopes in the event. Her DNS (did not start) meant she was unable to compete in the opening round.Asian Games Full Coverage | Medal Tally | Schedule
Kongan keeps India’s hopes alive
Nandhini Kongan kept India in contention by qualifying for the women’s 100m hurdles final. She finished fourth in Heat 2 in 13.48 seconds and advanced through the qualifying route.Japan’s Mako Fukube won the heat in 12.85 seconds, followed by China’s Yanni Wu in 13.18 and Indonesia’s Dina Aulia in 13.39.
Kujur advances to 200m final
There was a positive result for India in the men’s 200m, as Animesh Kujur qualified for the final after finishing second in the third semifinal heat. Kujur clocked 20.81 seconds to secure automatic qualification.Thailand’s Puripol Boonson won the semifinal in 20.10 seconds, setting a Games Record.
