Asian Games star Ancy Sojan just clapped back at her fashion-game haters

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 and accessory game.

The 25-year-old has a distinctive way of making her presence on the field feel all the more vibrant and hard to ignore: sleek braids adorned with colourful clips and ribbons, eyeliners, bright manicures and playful necklaces.

But while her striking competition look has drawn plenty of attention, it has also attracted criticism online.

What Ancy Sojan said

Sojan has now hit back at the criticism, calling the attacks “nonsense” and saying many of the comments were coming from fake accounts.

“These attacks are being made from fake IDs. They do not have the courage to say such things from their own accounts,” she told a TV channel, news agency PTI reported.

She also questioned the criticism from people who, she said, lacked awareness about international athletics. “How many international athletes compete wearing neck chains? These people do not even have that much awareness,” she said.

For Sojan, the jewellery is not a distraction from her sport but part of the confidence she carries into competition. She pointed out that she had broken Anju Bobby George’s national record while wearing a necklace.

“I used to compete wearing bangles during my school days. I enjoyed hearing the sound of the bangles. I had earlier cut my hair for competitions. Now, this is convenient for me. I will not be discouraged by any of this,” she said.

She also said some of those criticising her online did not even know which event she had won the medal in. “Even if you do not respect my hard work, do not insult it. This would not happen in any other country,” she said.

What style means to Sojan

For Sojan, these are not mere fashion essentials but an important pre-game ritual. She spends almost an hour getting ready 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.

Even as she posed with the medal after her Asian Games 2026 win, her earrings and an ornate ring were unmissable.

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.

(With inputs from PTI)