Indian Soft Tennis Star Jay Meena Secures Historic Medal at Asian Games 2026

Nagoya, September 23 (Daily Kiran) : Jay Meena has etched his name in history at the Asian Games 2026 held in Nagoya, where he reached the semifinals in men's singles soft tennis. This achievement guarantees India its first-ever medal in this sport at the Asian Games. Following a victory in the quarterfinals, Meena has secured at least a bronze medal. Meena will compete in the semifinals on Wednesday.His journey in soft tennis began almost by chance. Initially passionate about cricket, he aspired to be a cricketer. While studying at Pioneer Public School in Dewas, he discovered a soft tennis court that sparked his interest. He began by watching players and later assisted as a ball boy. Gradually, Meena took up the sport himself, excelling from school and district competitions to state and national levels. By the age of 14, he was competing internationally in Japan, the heartland of soft tennis.In 2022, he won a gold medal in men's singles at the 36th National Games in Gujarat, establishing himself as a leading player in India. He also contributed to his team's medal-winning performances in men's team and doubles events. By 2025, he proved his prowess by becoming the national champion in men's singles. His international success continued at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, where he reached the quarterfinals in men's singles and represented India in the men's team event.In 2024, he made history by winning a bronze medal in mixed doubles at the World Soft Tennis Championship with partner Adhya Tiwari, marking India's first medal in the event. He further solidified his legacy by winning another bronze at the Asian Soft Tennis Championship in 2025, becoming the first Indian to medal in the continental championship by reaching the men's singles semifinals. Meena has won a total of four medals in continental events. He is participating in his third Asian Games, having previously represented India in Jakarta in 2018 and Hangzhou in 2022.His preparations for the Asian Championship and Asian Games were supported by national coaching camps in Ahmedabad and Jammu.