Nagoya: Following her standout performance at the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, Indian long jumper Ancy Sojan reflected on her humble beginnings and praised the unwavering support of her father, an auto-rickshaw driver, after securing the silver medal in the women's long jump event on Sunday.

Ancy delivered a strong effort of 6.53 meters to put herself in gold medal contention. However, China’s Huang Yingying snatched the top spot with a final jump of 6.55 meters, edging out the Indian by just two centimeters. The silver marks a milestone achievement for Ancy, earning her a first international medal after years of perseverance.

Looking back on her early days in the sport, the 26-year-old athlete recalled starting her training without proper footwear and remembered the scrutiny her father faced from critics regarding her early morning sessions.

“In the beginning we had nothing. I started barefoot, and the people will ask why you are sending your daughter to that guy in the early morning. Is it safe or something, and she is not going to reach anywhere,” Ancy told IANS after her silver-medal-winning performance.

“Today the people, they can’t imagine where I am standing, but that is my hard work and my father’s dedication too. He supported me like a back pillar when I was injured and all. In the beginning I never thought I would reach this level, like making India proud.”

For Ancy, stepping onto the podium was a long-awaited reward for her family's steadfast belief in her abilities.

“We waited long, and after 10 years I got the first international medal. That is like a great trust I can give them back, like I am winning. They also trusted me,” she said.

Though her target had been the top spot, Ancy expressed satisfaction with the silver, noting the tough environmental conditions on the day.

“They expected the same like me, like a gold medal, but it’s not bad in this weather. For people who are sitting outside and seeing, it is not easy like that. While we come to the ground, it is very difficult. I put in my 100% effort, but I will settle with silver," she said.

Reflecting on a demanding year of competition, she credited her support system while honoring her own personal sacrifices.

“Yes, I worked very hard, and I dedicate all my good performances to my coach and my father. I told myself to reach 7 metres, but there is much more competition now,” she said.

“So this is not the end, but it is the end of my season this year. That’s why I am dedicating this moment to myself, and to my hard work and sacrifice.”

The medal concludes a impressive season for Ancy, during which she also set a national record of 6.88 meters at the World Athletics Continental Tour event in Bhubaneswar.

Closing her remarks, she urged authorities to increase investment and international exposure for track and field athletes across the country.

“If they can support us, athletics also, consider athletics also, we will get more and more opportunity and more medals. If we go outside competitions also, that will help us to get a great experience and more medal chances at global levels,” she said. (IANS)