{
  "id": 14934538,
  "title": "FPJ Exclusive | 'Modi Ji Warmly Patted My Back': Asian Games Medallist Jay Meena Recalls Special Moment With PM, Gifts Soft Tennis Equipment During Memorable Meeting",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/fpj-exclusive-modi-ji-warmly-patted-my-back-asian-games-medallist-jay",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T10:00:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/fpj-exclusive-modi-ji-warmly-patted-my-back-asian-games-medallist-jay-meena-recalls-special-moment-with-pm-gifts-soft-tennis-equipment-during-memorable-meeting"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Indian soft tennis player Jay Meena etched his name in history at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 by clinching the nation's first-ever bronze medal in the sport. His remarkable achievement brought renewed attention to an increasingly popular discipline in India. Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Meena recounted a poignant encounter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Indian contingent's gathering on October 15. The soft tennis athlete presented the Prime Minister with a soft tennis racket, balls, and a pump as a token of appreciation for his support of athletes. Meena expressed his gratitude to Modi for his dedication to India and its athletes, recounting how the Prime Minister warmly patted his back and said, \"Dhanyawad aapka\" (Thank you). The meeting with Modi provided a unique platform for Indian athletes to share their experiences and achievements from the Asian Games, with Meena's historic medal serving as a highlight. This memorable exchange between the Prime Minister and the young athlete marked a significant moment in Meena's sporting journey and could inspire future talent to pursue soft tennis at the highest level.",
  "summary": "Jay Meena scripted history at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 by winning India’s first-ever bronze medal in soft tennis at the continental multi-sport event. His historic achievement marked a significant milestone for Indian soft tennis, bringing greater attention to a sport that continues to build its presence in the country. Speaking to The Free Press Journal , Meena opened up about his…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}