AFI To Seek Answers: Jyothi Yarraji and Praveen Chithravel’s Asian Games Injuries Spark Training Controversy
The recent setbacks faced by India's premier track and field stars at the Asian Games have triggered immediate administrative action. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is reportedly set to demand formal explanations from the private training entities and personal coaches managing national record holders Jyothi Yarraji and Praveen Chithravel, following their abrupt withdrawals due to injury.
Both athletes had secured their spots in the 75-member Indian athletics squad after receiving last-minute fitness clearances, having earlier bypassed the Indian Athletics Series Final in New Delhi due to what were initially termed "minor" physical issues.
What Happened at the Venue?
The campaign unraveled rapidly on Saturday at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium:
Jyothi Yarraji (100m Hurdles): The star hurdler was forced to withdraw from the first-round heats after experiencing sharp pain during her final warm-up under rain-lashed conditions. Yarraji had only recently returned to competitive action following a major surgery in July 2025 to repair an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in her right knee.
Praveen Chithravel (Triple Jump): The seasoned triple jumper attempted his opening leap but immediately pulled up. He exited the competition area clutching his calf in evident distress and was subsequently wheeled away from the venue for medical evaluation.
AFI Questions Private Training Setups
The sudden recurrence of injuries among elite athletes training outside national camp structures has raised red flags within the federation.
"The AFI will of course ask for answers from the private entities they are currently training and from their coaches regarding the injury issues," noted an official source close to the developments.
With both Yarraji and Chithravel having podium histories—having secured silver and bronze medals respectively at the previous edition of the Asian Games—their unexpected exits have dealt a significant blow to India’s medal prospects on the continental stage. The AFI's impending review is expected to put a sharper focus on the monitoring, workload management, and fitness protocols maintained by private training academies handling elite Indian athletes.