9 Medals, 5 Gold: Ganesh Mani Ratnam Celebrates Historic Asiad Archery Triumph
Compound archer Ganesh Mani Ratnam celebrates India topping the archery table at Asiad 2026 and looks ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Indian compound archer Ganesh Mani Ratnam has hailed India's extraordinary performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, where the nation dominated the archery medal table. India secured a staggering total of nine medals—including five gold, two silver, and two bronze—across both recurve and compound events, marking a golden era for the sport in the country.
A Dream Debut for the Young Archer
For the 20-year-old athlete from Andhra Pradesh, the 2026 Asian Games were more than just a competition; they were a personal milestone. Mani Ratnam played a pivotal role in India's success, clinching a gold medal in the men's compound team event alongside teammates Sahil Jadhav and Kushal Dalal. He further cemented his individual prowess by securing a bronze medal after a commanding 149-144 victory over Vietnam's Cong Duc Dang.
Speaking on the sidelines of 'Satyan Spardha 2026', the annual sports day of Satya School in Gurugram, Mani Ratnam expressed the raw emotion of standing on the podium. He described the moment the national anthem played as an "unforgettable" experience and a feeling that simply cannot be expressed in words.
Gratitude and Mentorship
The archer attributed this collective success to a strong support system. He dedicated the achievement to the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), NTPC, his sponsors, his parents, and the young aspiring athletes at Satya Schools.
Mani Ratnam also highlighted the importance of learning from the veterans of the game. He noted that it was an honour and a privilege to share the arena with seasoned archers like Abhishek Verma and Jyothi Surekha Vennam, stating that his time with them, particularly during the World Cups, was filled with immense growth and learning.
Eyes on the Prize: Los Angeles 2028
With the excitement of the Asian Games still fresh, the focus has already shifted toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where compound archery is set to make its historic Olympic debut. Mani Ratnam is now gearing up for the rigorous selection trials.
Acknowledging the stiff competition within India, especially for the mixed team events, he emphasized his commitment to sharpening his skills and continuing his education under the guidance of his seniors to ensure a spot on the Olympic stage.
Inspiring the Next Generation
During his visit to Satya School as the chief guest, Mani Ratnam didn't just distribute prizes and demonstrate his archery skills; he shared vital life lessons with the students. He stressed the necessity of balancing sports with academics through strict discipline and effective time management.
He praised the vision of the school's principal, Manisha Malhotra, for prioritizing physical fitness and sports, urging students to maintain open communication with their academies and school management to excel in both the classroom and the field.