Historic Asian Games medal lifts Indian soft‑tennis to new heights

Nagoya, 23 September – Jay Mina’s bronze in the men’s singles event at the Asian Games has opened a new chapter for Indian soft‑tennis, a triumph long‑awaited by coach Sudeesh Sangate.

The Indian star fell 2‑4 to Japan’s Takuma Kurozaka in the semifinals but rebounded to secure third place. His quarter‑final showdown with Philippines’ Sherwin Nuguet turned dramatic when he erased a 3‑5 deficit, winning four consecutive points to close the set 4‑3.

Sangate, who has mentored Mina since the latter was ten, reflected on a 22‑year journey: “We have poured countless hours into training, and seeing Jay lift that bronze moves me to tears. It is India’s inaugural singles medal in soft‑tennis at the Asian Games.”

The coach credited a recent 20‑day training camp in Japan, facilitated by the Indian government, for sharpening the team’s readiness. “The camp was instrumental. This accomplishment proves that Indian athletes can compete with the best.”

Originally, the team intended the medal win to coincide with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday on 18 September, planning a dedication ceremony. Though the timing did not work out, they intend to celebrate the achievement on that date regardless.

India’s campaign began with setbacks: the men’s team lost to Indonesia in the quarter‑finals on 18 September, and both Mina and Adhya Tiwari exited early in mixed‑doubles pre‑quarters. Mina’s solo success, however, reversed the early disappointment.

Sangate also noted logistical issues, especially concerning meals. “We brought food from India and had to cook ourselves, which was challenging, but the players adapted and stayed focused.”

Mina’s résumé now includes a 2022 National Games men’s singles gold, a 2024 World Soft‑Tennis mixed‑doubles medal with Adhya Tiwari, and the distinction of being the first Indian to medal at the 2025 Asian Soft‑Tennis Championship.