Starting with a common dream to become a cricketer like many Indian kids, Jay Meena’s path took a unique turn when he embraced soft tennis, a sport quite different from traditional lawn tennis. Soft tennis uses a softer, hollow rubber ball with no felt, unlike regular tennis balls, and has a distinctive scoring system. Meena's dedication and skill soon led him to national victories, including gold at the 2022 National Games in Gujarat and a national championship in 2025.
Internationally, he brought home India’s first ever medal at the 2024 World Soft Tennis Championships, marking a historic achievement for the country. Soft tennis originated in Japan and was made an official Asian Games event in 1994, steadily gaining recognition and popularity worldwide. Jay Meena’s success has not only brought attention to this lesser-known sport but also inspired many young athletes across India.
The sport differs from lawn tennis primarily in the ball used and the scoring format. Soft tennis balls are filled with air and made of soft rubber, making the gameplay faster and requiring different techniques. The scoring system awards the player who reaches four points first in a set, with a requirement to win two consecutive points in the case of a 3-3 tie. Matches are played as best of seven sets, adding strategic depth to the game.
Jay Meena’s dedication has helped etch soft tennis on the radar of Indian sports enthusiasts, demonstrating that alternative sports can gain prominence through hard work and international successes. His journey exemplifies how passion and perseverance can lead to groundbreaking achievements, expanding India’s sporting diversity.