Who Is Jay Meena? India’s First Asian Games Soft Tennis Medallist
Jay Meena has scripted a historic chapter in Indian sport by becoming the country’s first-ever Asian Games medallist in soft tennis. The 24-year-old secured bronze in the men’s individual event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after reaching the semifinals.
Meena lost 2-4 to Japan’s Takuya Kurosaka in the semifinal, but his run had already guaranteed India its maiden Asian Games medal in a sport that originated in Japan and developed as a variant of lawn tennis.
His achievement adds another milestone to India’s growing medal tally at the 2026 Asian Games.
Who Is Jay Meena?
Like many youngsters in India, Meena initially dreamed of becoming a cricketer. His sporting journey took an unexpected turn when he joined Pioneer Public School in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, where he was introduced to soft tennis.
His initial involvement with the sport was modest. Meena began as a ball boy before developing an interest in playing the game himself.
He started competing in school tournaments and gradually progressed to the national level.
Meena made his international debut at just 14 years of age, travelling to Japan, the country where soft tennis originated.
Jay Meena’s Rise In Soft Tennis
Meena’s breakthrough on the domestic stage came at the 2022 National Games in Gujarat, where he won the men’s singles gold medal.
He went on to become India’s national champion in men’s singles in 2025.
His international record also continued to grow. In 2024, Meena won India’s first-ever mixed doubles bronze at the World Soft Tennis Championships alongside Aadhya Tiwari.
A year later, he became the first Indian to win a men’s singles bronze at the Asian Soft Tennis Championships after reaching the semifinals.
The Asian Games bronze in Aichi-Nagoya is now the biggest achievement of his career.
Jay Meena’s Asian Games Journey
The 2026 Asian Games are Meena’s third appearance at the continental multi-sport event.
He previously represented India at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games and the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.
This time, he went further than any Indian soft tennis player had before.
In the quarterfinals, Meena produced a remarkable seven-game comeback against the Philippines’ Sherwin Nuguit. After a seesaw battle, the Indian prevailed 4-3 with the game scores reading 0-4, 4-2, 2-4, 4-2, 5-3, 2-4, 7-5.
The victory sent him into the semifinals and assured India of its first-ever Asian Games medal in soft tennis.
Although Kurosaka ended his title challenge, Meena’s bronze secured his place in the history of Indian sport.
Jay Meena’s Family And Biggest Dream
Meena’s historic medal brought immense joy to his family.
His mother, Sanjana Meena, said her son’s biggest ambition remains winning a gold medal for India. She recalled how hard he has worked since taking up soft tennis and said she had always prayed for his success.
His younger brother Yash Meena also celebrated the achievement, saying Jay had fulfilled his long-held dream of winning a medal for the country.
For Jay Meena, the Asian Games bronze is not just a personal milestone. It represents a breakthrough for Indian soft tennis and could help bring greater attention to a sport that remains relatively unfamiliar to the wider Indian sporting audience.
