From wanting to become a cricketer to making Asian Games history: How Jay Meena became India’s first soft tennis medalist

Jay Meena secures India’s first ever soft tennis medal at the 2026 Asian Games Jay Meena’s journey to India’s first-ever Asian Games soft tennis medal did not start with a racket in hand, but with an interest in cricket.The 14-year-old who once dreamed of becoming a cricketer has now become a history maker with Meena assured of at least a bronze medal after reaching the men’s singles semi-finals at the Asian Games here on Wednesday.For Meena, the journey to this moment began almost by accident.After joining Pioneer Public School in Dewas, he stumbled upon a soft tennis court. Initially curious about this unfamiliar sport, he began by watching the players before helping out as a ball boy. Only gradually did he start playing himself.What started as a curiosity soon turned into a serious sporting activity. Meena went through school and district competitions before advancing to the state and national levels. By the age of 14, he was already competing internationally in Japan, the home of soft tennis.

From cricket dream to soft tennis breakthrough

Meena established himself as one of India’s leading soft-tennis players when he won the men’s singles gold medal at the 36th Gujarat National Games in 2022. He also contributed to Madhya Pradesh’s medal-winning performances in the men’s team and doubles events.His progress continued in 2025 when he became the national men’s singles champion.At the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Meena reached the quarter-finals of the men’s singles and also represented India in the men’s team competition.

Nagoya: India’s Aadhya Tiwari and Jay Meena compete in the soft tennis Group B mixed doubles at the ongoing 20th Asian Games at the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center in Nagoya, Japan. (PTI Photo/Arun Sharma) (PTI09_21_2026_000029B)

However, his international breakthrough came in 2024.Meena, partner of Aadhya Tiwari, won mixed doubles bronze at the World Soft Tennis Championships, making history as part of the first ever Indian pair to win a medal at the event.

More history before the Asian Games breakthrough

Meena added another breakthrough at the 2025 Asian Soft Tennis Championships.He became the first Indian to win a medal at the continental championships after reaching the semi-finals of the men’s singles and securing the bronze. He won a total of four medals at the continental event.Now, at the Asian Games, Meena has added another historic chapter to his career.His quarter-final win on Wednesday secured India’s first-ever Asian Games medal in soft tennis, with Meena guaranteed at least a bronze.The achievement comes during his third appearance at the Asian Games. A TAGG (Target Asian Games Group) athlete, Meena has previously represented India at Jakarta 2018 and Hangzhou 2022.His preparation for the final phase of his international career included stints at the National Coaching Camps in Ahmedabad and Jammu, where he trained for the Asian Championship and Asian Games.From watching soft tennis players on the school court in Dewas to becoming an international medalist and now winning the first medal at the Asian Games in India, Meena’s journey has taken her far beyond the cricketing dream she started with.