India, Sept. 23 -- Jay Meena created history for India at the Asian Games in Nagoya, becoming the country's first-ever soft tennis medallist after reaching the men's singles semifinals. Meena secured his place in the medal rounds with a hard-fought 4-3 victory over the Philippines' Sherwin Nuguit in a thrilling seven-game contest. The result came during his third appearance at the Asian Games, following an impressive 4-0 win over Pakistan's Arain Hussain in the group stage.

Meena's historic run ended in the semifinals, where he suffered a 2-4 defeat, but the result still secured India's maiden Asian Games medal in soft tennis. He therefore had to settle for bronze, while becoming the first Indian athlete to win a medal in the sport at th...