Jay Meena Makes History with Bronze Medal in Soft Tennis at Asian Games 2026

Jay Meena has etched his name in history by winning India's first-ever Asian Games medal in soft tennis, securing a bronze in the men's singles event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him on this remarkable achievement, which marks a significant milestone for the sport in India. Meena's journey included a thrilling semi-final match against Japan's Takuya Kurosaka. Additionally, India had a successful day at the Games, with multiple medals across various sports, including weightlifting and hockey. Discover more about Meena's inspiring journey and India's overall performance at the Asian Games.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 23, 2026, 15:45 IST

Historic Achievement for Indian Soft Tennis

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Jay Meena, who made history by winning India's inaugural Asian Games medal in soft tennis. Meena secured a bronze in the men's singles event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026. The Prime Minister's Office shared a message on X, stating, "A remarkable milestone for Indian Soft Tennis! Congratulations to Jay Meena for clinching Bronze in the Men's Individual event and becoming India's first-ever Asian Games medallist in Soft Tennis. His success marks a significant new chapter for the sport in India. May this medal motivate many young athletes to pursue Soft Tennis and excel. Best wishes for his future endeavors: PM @narendramodi."

Meena's Path to the Bronze Medal

Meena's journey concluded in the semi-finals, where he faced Japan's Takuya Kurosaka, losing with a score of 2-4. After dropping the first three sets, he rallied to win the fourth and fifth sets, narrowing the gap to 2-3. However, Kurosaka clinched the sixth set 4-1, finalizing the match with a score of 3-5, 1-4, 1-4, 4-1, 6-4, 1-4, as reported by ESPN.

Earlier, Meena advanced to the semi-finals by defeating Sherwin Nuguit from the Philippines in a thrilling quarter-final match. With all semi-finalists guaranteed a medal, his victory ensured a historic podium finish for India in this sport.

India's Successful Day at the Asian Games

India had a fruitful day at the Games on Wednesday, highlighted by Mirabai Chanu winning silver in the women's 49kg weightlifting category. Additionally, both the men's and women's skeet teams secured bronze medals. The women's hockey team achieved a remarkable 20-1 victory against Thailand in their Pool B match, while both kabaddi teams also celebrated wins.

In squash, Abhay Singh and Tanvi Khanna advanced in their respective singles competitions. India also reached several finals and semi-finals in rowing and canoe sprint events, while mixed doubles pairs progressed in table tennis. In boxing, Ankush triumphed over Bahrain's Hamsa Vogel in the men's 80kg round of 32.

As of now, India's medal tally stands at 11, placing the nation 12th in the overall standings, with China leading with 75 medals.