A Historic Bronze Medal
On September 23, 2026, at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, Jay Meena secured a historic bronze medal in the men's singles soft tennis event. This marked India's first-ever podium finish in the sport since it was included as a medal discipline in the 1994
Games. The 26-year-old athlete from Madhya Pradesh guaranteed the medal after a dramatic quarter-final victory over the Philippines' Sherwin Nuguit, where he fought back from being down 3-5 in the deciding game to win 7-5. His brilliant run ended in the semi-finals against Japan’s Takuya Kurosaka, but by reaching the last four, he had already written a new chapter for Indian sport, as both losing semi-finalists are awarded bronze.
From Ball Boy to Medallist
Jay Meena's journey to the Asian Games podium began unexpectedly. Hailing from Dewas in Madhya Pradesh, his first love was cricket. However, his path changed when he encountered a soft tennis court at his school. Initially, he was just a curious spectator and ball boy, but his interest quickly grew, and he began playing. His talent was evident as he progressed from school-level events to national tournaments. Meena's dedication paid off, with significant wins including a men's singles gold at the 2022 National Games in Gujarat and becoming the national champion in 2025. This was his third appearance at the Asian Games, having also competed in the 2018 and 2022 editions, showing his steady rise to the top of his sport.
So, What is Soft Tennis?
For many Indian sports fans, Meena’s victory was also their introduction to soft tennis. So how is it different from the lawn tennis we all know? The key difference lies in the equipment. Soft tennis uses a soft, lightweight, inflatable rubber ball instead of a hard, felt-covered one. Consequently, the racquets are also lighter and more flexible. The court dimensions are the same as regular tennis, but the net is set at a uniform height of 1.07 meters without a centre strap to pull it down. The gameplay involves longer rallies and focuses more on placement and spin rather than sheer power. Originating in Japan in the late 19th century, it’s a major sport in several Asian countries and has its own international federation.
Paving the Way for a Niche Sport
Meena's bronze medal is not just a personal victory; it's a massive boost for a sport that has been quietly growing in India. The Amateur Soft Tennis Federation of India (ASTFI) has been the governing body, recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, working to develop talent. Meena himself is a product of this ecosystem and has tasted international success before. In 2024, he and his partner Aadhya Tiwari won India's first-ever medal at the World Soft Tennis Championships, a bronze in mixed doubles. His Asian Games medal now brings soft tennis into the national spotlight, potentially inspiring a new generation of players and attracting more support and infrastructure for the sport across the country.
