A call from Thalapathy Vijay: Ancy Sojan's one wish after long-jump silver

Ancy Sojan came within two centimetres of winning Asian Games gold in the women’s long jump, but walked away with a second successive silver medal. After the narrow defeat, the 25-year-old had one rather unexpected wish, a call from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay.

Ancy spoke about her admiration for Vijay’s motivational side after the final and said she would be delighted if the actor-turned-politician reached out to her. Her silver came after China’s Huang Yingying produced a 6.55m effort with her final jump to snatch gold from the Indian.

“I wish I can get a call from him. I like his motivation and all, that's all I wanna say. I'd be very happy if I can get a call,” Ancy said. Ancy's message to Thalapathy Vijay!After a brilliant silver at Aichi-Nagoya 2026, Ancy couldn't hide her excitement when asked about her idol, Thalapathy Vijay!Watch the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork pic.twitter.com/WAoLjC1YXe— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 29, 2026

It was a particularly close finish for Ancy, who had been leading for much of the competition. She had produced 6.53m in her second attempt and remained ahead on countback when Huang matched her 6.49m, only for the Chinese jumper to find another 6cm with her final effort.

Ancy’s admiration for Vijay goes back well before her Asian Games campaign. A long-time fan of the Tamil superstar-turned-Chief Minister, she even recreated Vijay’s iconic victory pose after winning the women’s long jump at the Indian Athletics Championships final in New Delhi, making her wish for a call from him after her silver all the more special. National record-holding long jumper Ancy Sojan recreates CM Vijay’s iconic gesture!A beautiful moment of admiration, respect and inspiration, when sporting excellence meets a gesture of Annan that has captured the hearts of many today #AncySojan #Vijay pic.twitter.com/v9ugdZQjTd— Maha NM - TVK (@Maha08981560) September 12, 2026HOW CLOSE WAS ANCY TO GOLD?Ancy responded with 6.49m in her final attempt but could not reclaim the lead. The two-centimetre difference left her with silver, while Huang’s 6.55m secured the gold.

The result nevertheless extended Ancy’s impressive Asian Games record. After winning silver in Hangzhou, she became only the second Indian woman after Anju Bobby George to win multiple Asian Games medals in the long jump.GOLD WAS THE GOAL. SILVER IS STILL SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF.Ancy Sojan reflects on her silver medal, the disappointment of missing out on gold, and why she’s still proud of what she achieved.Watch the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV pic.twitter.com/ZtkAgohJdu— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 28, 2026

The evening also saw Shaili Singh miss out on a podium finish. She was sitting third before China’s Tan Mengyi jumped 6.46m with the final effort of the competition, leaving Shaili fourth with 6.42m.WHAT MAKES ANCY’S SILVER SPECIAL?

Ancy’s medal adds to what has been a significant year for the long jumper, who has increasingly established herself among India’s leading athletes in the event.

She was also the last Indian standing for a medal in the women’s long jump in Nagoya after Shaili slipped out of the podium places. The silver means Ancy now has back-to-back Asian Games medals, although the gold that seemed within reach for much of Tuesday’s final will leave her with unfinished business.- Ends