India’s journey in the men’s team competition of soft tennis at the Asian Games concluded on September 18, 2026, following a 0-2 loss to Indonesia in the quarterfinals. The defeat marked the end of India’s hopes for a medal in the sport, showcasing the challenges faced by the team in this competitive event.

The Indian squad had previously shown promise during the group stage, securing victories against both Mongolia and Laos. However, their aspirations took a hit with a loss to Chinese Taipei. These results meant that the team entered the knockout round facing significant pressure. The roster comprised of Jay Meena, Aryan Thakur, Yogesh Choudhary, Aniket Patil, and Om Yadav, each contributing to the effort in varying capacities throughout the tournament.

Details of the Quarterfinal Match

In the quarterfinal match against Indonesia, the Indian team faced a tough challenge from their opponents, who were represented by players Fernando Sanger, Tio Hutauruk, Muhammad Falevi, Rizky Laluyan, and Bagus Pradewa. The competition commenced with a men’s doubles match featuring Jay Meena and Yogesh Choudhary, who took on Tio Hutauruk and Fernando Sanger of Indonesia.

The Indian pair struggled to make an impact, managing to win only two games during the match. Consequently, Indonesia gained an early advantage, leading the overall score 1-0. Following the doubles, Aryan Thakur stepped up to compete in the men’s singles against Bagus Pradewa.

However, he could not secure a victory, leading to Indonesia clinching the tie with a definitive 2-0 outcome. The third match of the quarterfinals was eventually cancelled for reasons that have not been disclosed. Despite this, Indonesia’s solid performance ensured their progression in the tournament, leaving India to reflect on their overall performance.

Understanding Soft Tennis

Soft tennis, which has origins tracing back to Japan, is characterised by its use of a soft, lightweight rubber ball. This sport is played in a manner similar to traditional tennis, but the softer ball allows players to execute a broader variety of tactical shots, incorporating spins and changes in speed. The court dimensions are identical to those used in tennis, creating a familiar environment for players.

In a team competition, matches are structured such that the first player or team to secure four points wins a game, with the overall match decided by the first to win five games in a best-of-three rubber format. This scoring system adds a layer of complexity and strategy, making each point critical to the overall outcome. The appeal of soft tennis lies in its balance between skill and physicality, engaging players in a fast-paced, competitive environment.

India’s participation in the Asian Games soft tennis competition has highlighted both the potential of the sport within the nation and the challenges still to be addressed. The future of Indian soft tennis may see further development as athletes refine their skills and seek to compete successfully on such international platforms.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share