Asian Games: Jyothi Yarraji Wins Gold? Celebs Jump the Gun With Fake News

Asian Games has captured the imagination of the nation with athletes from India flying the flag high in Hangzhou.

Celebratory messages and wishes on social media have become a norm and with the faster finger-first approach of many, shows most are keen to show they are in the know. Celebrities too fall in this category.

On Tuesday, messages and wishes flooded social media Jyothi Yarraji for allegedly winning Gold at the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022. The Indian hurdler has not even reached China with her women’s 100m hurdles event being slated later – heats on September 30 (6.45 am IST) and the final on October 1 (6.45 pm).

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That did not stop the likes of singer Asha Bhosle and former India cricketers like Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman from celebrating the hurdler and jumping the gun.

“This gold medal is true testament that dreams come true irrespective of circumstances. Way to go Jyothi Yaraaji,” tweeted World Cup winner Gambhir.

“Heartiest congratulations to Yaraaji from Andhra Pradesh for winning the Gold for 100mts hurdles at the Asian Games,” posted legendary singer Bhosle.

Truth is Jyothi, albeit a medal contender for India, travelled to Hangzhou only on Tuesday. Her coach James Hillier took to social media to post an image of himself, Jyothi and Amlan Borgohain, India’s fastest man, along with the caption: “En route to Hangzhou for the Asian Games.”

The Reliance Foundation Youth Sports, through their social media handles, were quick to debunk the fake news.

“We know Jyothi Yarraji is fast but she’s still on her way to Hangzhou for the Asian Games and will be competing on 30th Sep. The clip that has been circulating is from her Gold Medal winning race at the Asian Athletics Championships in Thailand in July. We’re sure she’ll be delighted with all the wishes and we encourage you to join us in manifesting another medal-winning performance at the Asian Games soon!,” the post read on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Even though Yarraji may go on to win a medal for India at the Asian Games, the posts celebrating her win were from her win at the Asian Athletics Championships earlier this year.