Talented athlete from Madhya Pradesh, Jai Mina, achieved a historic feat at the Asian Games. At the 20th Asian Games, held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, Jai Mina won a historic bronze medal for India in the men's singles table tennis category. This made him the first player to bring a medal in table tennis to India at the Asian Games.
In the semi-finals, Jai Mina faced Japanese player Takuya Kurosaka. Despite demonstrating fighting spirit and putting up serious resistance, he lost with a score of 2-4. Nevertheless, reaching the semi-finals allowed him to secure a bronze medal and create history for India.
Prior to this, he went through a tense quarter-final match against a Filipino athlete, winning and making it into the final quartet, which guaranteed a medal for India.
The Minister of Cooperation, Sports, and Youth Affairs, Vishwas Kailash Sarang, congratulated Jai Mina on receiving the historic bronze and expressed his support. He emphasized that Mina's success is a source of pride not only for Madhya Pradesh but for the entire country. The achievement of India's first table tennis medalist at the Asian Games was an important moment in the history of Indian sports, and his triumph serves as a source of inspiration for young athletes in the region.
Earlier, in 2022, Jai Mina won the gold medal in the men's singles category at the 36th National Games held in Gujarat. He also contributed to the Madhya Pradesh team in men's team and doubles competitions. In 2025, he became the national champion in the men's singles category.
Mina's story was also highlighted by a victory at the World Championships. In 2024, he won a bronze medal in the U-21 mixed doubles category at the World Table Tennis Championships, alongside Adhye Tiwari. This pair became the first to win a medal for India at the World Championships.
Mina's journey began at Pioneer Public School in Dewas. During his studies, he first saw a table tennis court and initially visited it only to observe and assist as a ball boy. Gradually, his interest in the sport grew, and he started playing independently. Progressing from school and district competitions to regional and national levels, he began participating in international tournaments in Japan at the age of just 14.
The bronze medal won is a landmark event for Indian table tennis, as it is the first success in this sport at the Asian Games. Jai Mina's victory raised the nation's honor and ensured international recognition for the sporting talents of Madhya Pradesh, highlighting the potential of developing athletes in the region.
