Jay Meena wins bronze in soft tennis, India's first Asian Games medal in sport

The Asian Games 2026 are underway in Japan, and Indian athletes have been performing well. India's Jay Meena has created history by winning a bronze medal in the men's soft tennis event. It is India's first ever medal in soft tennis at the Asian Games. Since his win, there has been a wave of celebration in Indian sporting circles, with congratulations pouring in for him.

In the quarterfinal, Meena faced Sherwin Nuguit of the Philippines. He showed remarkable composure and skill in that match. In the final game, Meena was trailing 3-5, but despite the pressure he did not give up and won four points in a row. He won the match 4-3 to reach the semifinal. In the semifinal, Meena faced Japan's top player Takuya Kurosaka. Following that match, he was awarded the bronze medal and etched his name in Indian sporting history.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju congratulated Jay Meena, saying this marks a new chapter for Indian sport. He wrote that he was extending heartfelt congratulations to Jay Meena for winning bronze in the men's singles soft tennis event at the Asian Games 2026. With this historic achievement, Jay has won India's first Asian Games medal in soft tennis. Rijiju called it a major milestone for Jay and for Indian soft tennis, and wished him continued success.

Jay Meena was initially very fond of cricket and wanted to become a professional cricketer. But after he was admitted to Pioneer Public School in Dewas, his life took a new turn. The school's soft tennis court caught his attention. Working as a ball boy, his interest in the sport grew, and he picked up a soft tennis racket himself. Starting his career at school and district-level competitions, he went on to show his ability at the state and national levels as well. On the strength of his talent, he got the opportunity to represent India in an international competition in Japan at just 14 years of age.

Earlier, the women's shooting team had also won India its eighth medal at the Asian Games 2026. On Wednesday, India won bronze in the women's skeet team event. In Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, India has so far won a total of eight medals, six of them in shooting.