Mumbai, Sept. 23 -- India are breaking new ground in newer sports at these Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. After a creditable fourth-place finish by a couple of Indians in teqball, Jay Meena on Wednesday assured India of a first medal in soft tennis. It will be the country's first-ever medal in soft tennis at the multi-sport continental event.

The 26-year-old defeated Sherwin Nuguit of The Philippines 4-3 in a thrilling men's singles quarter-final to earn his spot in the last four. Singles semifinalists in soft tennis are assured a bronze.

Meena scripted a fine comeback against his Filipino opponent. After losing the first game 4-0, he won the next 4-2 and the back and forth continued for the next couple of games. Meena pulled off the crucial...