Call from Thalapathy Vijay: Ancy Sojan’s only wish is for Asian Games silver
Ancy Sojan came within two centimeters of winning Asian Games gold in the women’s long jump, but took away her second consecutive silver medal. After the narrow defeat, the 25-year-old had one rather unexpected wish, a call from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay.
Speaking about her admiration for Vijay’s motivational side after the finale, Ancy said she would be delighted if the actor-turned-politician approached her. Her silver came after China’s Huang Yingying cleared 6.55m with his last jump to grab the Indian’s gold.
Asian Games, September 29 update
“I wish I could get a call from him. I like his motivation and everything, that’s all I want to say. I would be very happy if I could get a call,” Ancy said.
Ancy’s message for Thalapathy Vijay!
After a brilliant silver at Aichi-Nagoya 2026, Ancy couldn’t hide her excitement when asked about her idol, Thalapathy Vijay!
Watch the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya LIVE on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV TV channels.#SonySportsNetwork pic.twitter.com/WAoLjC1YXe— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 29, 2026
It was a particularly tight finish for Ancy, who had led for much of the contest. She cleared 6.53m on her second attempt and stayed ahead in the countdown as Huang equaled her 6.49m, only for the Chinese jumper to find another 6cm with her final effort.
Ancy’s admiration for Vijay goes way back before her Asian Games campaign. The long-time fan of the Tamil superstar-turned-Chief Minister even recreated Vijay’s iconic victory pose after winning the women’s long jump at the Indian Athletics Championships final in New Delhi, wishing he would call him even more after the silver.
National long jump record holder Ancy Sojan recreates CM Vijay’s iconic gesture!
A beautiful moment of admiration, respect and inspiration, when sporting excellence meets Annan’s gesture that captured the hearts of many today. #AncySojan #Vijay pic.twitter.com/v9ugdZQjTd— Maha NM – TVK (@Maha08981560) September 12, 2026
HOW CLOSE WAS ANCY TO GOLD?
Ancy responded with 6.49m in her final attempt but was unable to regain the lead. A difference of two centimeters left her with silver, while Huang’s 6.55m secured the gold.
Still, the result extended Ancy’s impressive Asian Games record. After winning the silver in Hangzhou, she became only the second Indian after Anja Bobby George to win multiple medals at the Asian Games in long jump.
THE GOAL WAS GOLD. SILVER IS STILL SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF.
Ancy Sojan reflects on her silver medal, the disappointment of missing out on gold and why she’s still proud of what she’s achieved.
Watch 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV pic.twitter.com/ZtkAgohJdu— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 28, 2026
Shaili Singh also missed out on the podium in the evening. She sat third before China’s Tan Mengyi jumped 6.46m with a final effort of the competition, leaving Shaili fourth at 6.42m.
WHAT MAKES ANCY’S SILVER SPECIAL?
Ancy’s medal adds to what has been a landmark year for the long jumper, who is increasingly establishing herself among India’s top athletes in the competition.
She was also the last Indian to compete for a medal in the women’s long jump in Nagoya after Shaili slipped out of the podium finishes. The silver means Ancy now has Asian Games medals, although gold, which seemed within reach for much of Tuesday’s final, will leave her with unfinished business.
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