From Cricket Dreams to Soft Tennis Glory – Jay Mina’s Asian Games Journey
NAGOYA, September 23 (IANS) – Jay Mina’s name will be remembered as the pioneer who brought India its first soft‑tennis medal at the Asian Games. The 2026 edition saw him lift a bronze in the men’s singles, completing a remarkable transformation from aspiring cricketer to soft‑tennis champion.
Mina’s ascent began at Devas Pioneer Public School, where a soft‑tennis court caught his eye. Starting as a ball‑boy, he soon took up the racket, quickly progressing through school and district competitions. By fourteen, he was representing India abroad in Japan, gaining valuable international exposure.
His domestic breakthrough came at the 36th National Games in Gujarat (2022), where he secured gold in men’s singles and helped Madhya Pradesh win medals in team and doubles categories. The following year, he continued to dominate, earning a place in the national men’s singles final and winning the title in 2025.
Mina also proved his versatility on the world stage. Partnering with Aadhya Tiwari, he earned a mixed‑doubles bronze at the 2024 World Soft Tennis Championship – India’s first podium finish at that tournament. The pair’s success was followed by a historic bronze at the 2025 Asian Soft Tennis Championship, making Mina the inaugural Indian medalist there.
At Nagoya, Mina’s quarter‑final showdown with Sherwin Nguijt demonstrated his tenacity. Down in the final game, he captured four straight points to win 4‑3, advancing to the semi‑finals. Although he fell 2‑4 to Japan’s Takua Kurosaka, the subsequent bronze match secured his place on the podium.
Having represented India at Jakarta 2018 and Hangzhou 2022, Mina’s third Asian Games appearance ends with a historic medal that could reshape the perception of soft‑tennis in the country. Officials anticipate increased funding and grassroots programs inspired by his achievement.
Mina’s story underscores how a chance encounter with a sport can alter an athlete’s destiny, turning a cricket‑bound ambition into a legacy that will inspire future Indian soft‑tennis players.