Ancy Sojan Wins Asian Games Silver: “We Were Expecting Gold,” Say Proud Parents After Rain-Hit Final

Ancy Sojan added another medal to India's athletics haul at the Asian Games 2026, securing silver in the women's long jump after a challenging final affected by rain.

The Indian long jumper entered the competition with hopes of fighting for the top spot, but the wet conditions made it difficult for the athletes to produce their best efforts. Ancy ultimately had to settle for second place, turning what could have been a gold-medal celebration into a silver-medal moment for India.

Despite missing out on the top step of the podium, Ancy's performance delivered another significant Asian Games achievement. Back home in Nattika, her family watched the competition unfold on a large screen, hoping to see her finish with gold.

The medal was greeted with celebrations at the family home, with crackers being burst as relatives, friends and local supporters gathered to share the occasion. Rajya Sabha MP Jebi Mather was also present as the family watched Ancy's performance.

Ancy's father Sojan, who works as an autorickshaw driver, said the family had invested years of hope and effort into seeing her reach this level.

"We have received a silver medal. We were expecting gold. The weather affected us very adversely. Even so, we are happy to get the silver medal; after all, we were able to win a medal for India. That is very gratifying," Ancy's father Sojan told reporters.

He felt Ancy's last attempt could have provided an opportunity to challenge for gold, but that improvement did not materialise.

"Usually, in competitions like this, the final jump tends to be an improved jump. Unfortunately, for some reason, that didn't happen. We had to be content with second place. Nevertheless, we are happy," he said.

For Sojan and the family, the Asian Games podium is also part of a much longer journey, with the next major ambition already identified.

"Our desire now is that we need to reach the World Championship level. Next year's World Championship is our next goal," he said.

He reiterated that the conditions had played a significant role in limiting Ancy's performance.

"The truth of the matter is that the weather did not favour us as expected," he said.

Ancy's mother Jansy was equally delighted with the medal, while acknowledging that the family had been dreaming of gold.

"I am very happy. Because of the weather, we were expecting a gold. But since the weather conditions were not favourable, we didn't get the best performance we expected," she said.

Jansy also highlighted the difficulty of maintaining a medal-winning position when the rain disrupted the competition.

"Even though she couldn't jump as far this time due to the rain, she was able to maintain the silver medal, and I am very happy about that," she said.

According to her mother, Ancy's determination has been a defining part of her personality since childhood.

"Right from the start, she is a child with the mindset of 'I must achieve this' through sheer determination. So she definitely has the courage to achieve anything," she said.

The weather, Jansy added, was not an issue faced by Ancy alone.

"She is capable of performing well. But because of the rain and these conditions, she couldn't reach her best performance. That was visible with all the jumpers; not everyone could perform at their best. That's a matter of luck," Jansy said.

The Asian Games silver now gives Ancy another major international medal, while her family has already turned its attention towards the next challenge - the World Championships.