Two Centimetres From Gold, Ancy Sojan Has One Wish: A Call From Thalapathy Vijay

Ancy Sojan came within two centimetres of Asian Games gold in the women’s long jump, but had to settle for a second successive silver medal after China’s Huang Yingying produced a stunning final attempt in Aichi-Nagoya.

Ancy looked on course for gold after jumping 6.53m in her second attempt. Huang was level with her on 6.49m, but the Chinese athlete saved her best for last, leaping 6.55m with her final effort to take the title.

Ancy responded with a 6.49m jump in her final attempt but could not regain the lead.

Despite the disappointment, the 25-year-old had one unexpected wish after the competition — she wants a call from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay.

“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 admiration for Vijay is well known. Earlier this month, she recreated the actor’s iconic victory pose after winning the women’s long jump at the Indian Athletics Championships in New Delhi.

Her latest silver means Ancy has now won medals in the long jump at two consecutive Asian Games. She became only the second Indian woman after Anju Bobby George to win multiple Asian Games medals in the event.

The evening was less rewarding for fellow Indian long jumper Shaili Singh. She was in medal position before China’s Tan Mengyi produced a 6.46m jump with the final attempt of the competition. Shaili finished fourth with a best effort of 6.42m.

For Ancy, the result was a mix of disappointment and pride. Gold had appeared within reach for much of the final, but her second straight Asian Games silver underlines her consistency at the continental level — while her wish for a call from Vijay gave the night an unexpected personal highlight.