Nagoya, September 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Jay Meena scripted history on Wednesday by securing India’s first-ever Asian Games medal in soft tennis after reaching the men’s singles semifinals at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
Meena sealed at least a bronze medal with his quarterfinal victory and is scheduled to compete in the semifinals later in the day.
His journey in soft tennis began almost by chance. Initially more interested in cricket, Meena dreamed of becoming a cricketer before being introduced to soft tennis at Pioneer Public School in Dewas.
He first watched players on the school’s soft tennis court and eventually began helping as a ball boy. His curiosity gradually turned into an interest in the sport, and he started competing at school and district level before progressing to state and national competitions.
By the age of 14, Meena was competing internationally in Japan, the home of soft tennis.
He emerged as one of India’s leading players after winning men’s singles gold at the 36th National Games in Gujarat in 2022. He also contributed to Madhya Pradesh’s medal-winning performances in the men’s team and doubles events.
His progress continued in 2022 when he represented India at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, reaching the men’s singles quarterfinals and also featuring in the men’s team event. By 2025, he had added the national men’s singles title to his achievements.
Meena made another landmark contribution in 2024 when, partnering Aadhya Tiwari, he won bronze in mixed doubles at the World Soft Tennis Championships, giving India its first-ever medal at the event.
In 2025, he became the first Indian to win a medal at the Asian Soft Tennis Championships after reaching the men’s singles semifinals and securing bronze. He went on to win four medals at the continental championships.
The current Asian Games campaign is Meena’s third appearance at the continental event, following his participation at Jakarta 2018 and Hangzhou 2022.
A TAGG (Target Asian Games Group) athlete, Meena also trained at national coaching camps in Ahmedabad and Jammu as part of India’s preparations for the Asian Championship and Asian Games.
His run in Nagoya has now added another milestone to a career that began with an unexpected encounter with a sport he initially had little intention of pursuing.
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