Thalapathy Vijay Call Is Ancy Sojan’s One Wish After Asian Games Silver

Ancy Sojan came agonisingly close to winning Asian Games gold in the women’s long jump, finishing just two centimetres behind China’s Huang Yingying to claim her second consecutive silver medal.

After the narrow loss, the 25-year-old Indian athlete revealed an unusual wish — she hopes to receive a call from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay.

Speaking after the final, Ancy said she admires Vijay’s motivational side and would be delighted if he reached out to her.

“I wish I can get a call from him. I like his motivation and all. That’s all I want to say. I’d be very happy if I can get a call,” Ancy said.

The result was particularly heartbreaking for Ancy, who had led the competition for much of the final. She produced a best jump of 6.53m on her second attempt and remained in front after Huang matched 6.49m. However, the Chinese athlete produced a 6.55m effort with her final jump to snatch the gold.

Ancy attempted to reclaim the lead with her final effort but managed 6.49m, leaving her with silver.

Her admiration for Vijay goes back several years. A long-time fan, Ancy recreated Vijay’s iconic victory pose after winning the women’s long jump at the Indian Athletics Championships in New Delhi earlier this month.

The Asian Games silver further strengthens Ancy’s record at the continental event. After also winning silver at the Hangzhou Asian Games, she has become only the second Indian woman after Anju Bobby George to win multiple Asian Games medals in the long jump.

Shaili Singh, meanwhile, narrowly missed out on a medal in the same final. She was in third place before China’s Tan Mengyi produced a 6.46m jump with her final attempt, pushing Shaili into fourth with her best effort of 6.42m.

For Ancy, the silver caps a significant year in her career and establishes her as one of India’s leading long jumpers. While gold was within touching distance in Nagoya, her second successive Asian Games medal marks another major achievement — and her hope for a call from her idol has added a personal touch to an otherwise bittersweet evening.