Asian Games star Ancy Sojan's braids are as unmissable as her long jumps

Long jumper Ancy Sojan made India proud by winning a silver medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya on September 27, securing her second Asian Games silver. But there’s one more thing that she deserves a medal for: her hairstyles.

The 25-year-old has a distinctive way to make her presence on the field feel all the more vibrant (and hard to ignore): sleek braids adorned with a whole lot of colourful clips. Ancy Sojan at the women's long jump final event during the ongoing 20th Asian Games. (Photo: PTI)

At times, the clips adorn her crown braids; other times, cutesy ribbons cascade along them. It’s like having colourful gems scattered across her head, with some clips even taking the shape of little stars.

And that’s not all when it comes to Ancy’s penchant for dopamine dressing. She often adds a pop of colour to her eyes before heading to competitions. Colourful eyeliners, bright manicures and playful necklaces are also part of her style game. Ancy Sojan loves her colourful braids. (Photos: Instagram/ancysojan_official)

But all of these are not mere adornments. All of it is an important pre-game ritual for her. She spends almost an hour before heading out for competitions.

“Doing my makeup on the morning of a competition is like getting ready for me. I feel very cool and relaxed when I do it. I like playing energetic songs that get me hyped up. I’m having fun. I watch long jump videos. I get my hair braided, then I apply eyeliner and lipstick. Finally, I glue on my nails,” she told Sportstar in an interview earlier this month.

“I want people to notice me. I feel like I’m a performer as much as an athlete. Like a magician,” she added.

Self love, in general, is a big part of her personality.

“I’m obsessed with how I look. I’m obsessed with my body and muscles. I love the intensity with which I run down the runway and then take off. I look at my eyes and how focused they are. There’s this madness and aggression, and I love seeing that.”

So, when she is on the field, she goes the extra mile with her appearance, even if some people say she should let her game do the talking. She draws inspiration from Malaika Mihambo’s hoop earrings and sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson’s colourful braids.

Those tiny, colourful hair clips you thought belonged in your childhood keepsake box? Dig them out. Ancy has officially made them cool again.

Apart from her long jumps and striking fashion, Ancy Sojan also made headlines for expressing her admiration for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay. After the final, she spoke about her admiration for the actor-turned-politician’s motivational side and said she would be delighted if he reached out to her.

“I wish I could 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.

As for her silver medal, it marks a significant year for Ancy, who is now a back-to-back Asian Games medallist and one of India’s leading long jumpers.- Ends