Meet Aadhya Tiwari, an Income Tax department employee who scripted history by winning the first-ever medal in Soft Tennis Championship

Aadhya Tiwari's achievement not only paves the way for future talents in soft tennis but also underscores the potential for lesser-known sport in India.

On September 6, Aadhya Tiwari, alongside her partner Jay Meena, clinched a bronze medal in mixed soft tennis at the World Championships in Anseong, South Korea. The duo showcased their dominance by defeating the Philippines 5-2 in the Round of 16 and China 5-3 in the quarterfinals. Their impressive victories over teams from Philippines and China not only secured their place on the podium but also spotlighted the emerging potential of lesser-known sports in India.

HISTORY MADE! 🇮🇳

Jay Meena & Aadhya Tiwari script a golden chapter in Indian sports, winning the country’s 1️⃣st EVER medal at the Soft Tennis World Championships! 🥉

Their Bronze Medal triumph in Mixed Doubles at the 17th Anseong World Soft Tennis Championships 2024 in Korea… pic.twitter.com/pzzU9QUhqJ

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) September 6, 2024

Who is Aadhya Tiwari?

Aadhya Tiwari, is an athlete from Narmadapuram, Madhya Pardesh. She is the youngest and only female player in MP to play soft tennis at the Asian Games. Her accolades also include a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Junior Soft Tennis Championship and multiple medals at the 2022 National Games, including gold and silver in the single events and gold in the mixed doubles with Meena. Tiwari has also received the Ekalavya Award for her outstanding sports achievements.

Moreover, Aadhya Tiwari was honoured with the Vikram Award in 2023, Madhya Pradesh’s highest sporting award for her remarkable achievements and her significant contributions to India’s sports heritage. This prestigious award includes Rs 2 lakh prize and a government job. Tiwari currently works with the Income Tax department in Mumbai. Balancing a demanding job with rigorous training schedules is no small feat, and Tiwari’s success is a testament to her hardwork, discipline and passion for the sport.

Aadhya Tiwari’s groundbreaking win in soft tennis is a remarkable milestone for Indian sports. Her achievement not only paves the way for future talents in soft tennis but also underscores the potential for lesser-known sport in India.