Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru, an archer from Andhra Pradesh, has clinched the bronze medal in the men’s individual compound archery event at the Asian Games 2026. The 20-year-old secured his second medal of the Games by defeating Vietnam’s Cong Duc Dang with a score of 149-144 in the bronze medal playoff held in Aichi, Japan. This victory marks India’s first individual medal in compound archery at the current Asian Games.
Focus on Process Leads to Podium Finish
Mani Ratnam, who hails from Naidupeta in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, attributed his success to a consistent focus on his shooting process, a philosophy he has consistently applied throughout his training and competitions. Competing in his debut Asian Games, he demonstrated remarkable composure during the bronze medal match, ultimately outscoring his Vietnamese opponent. His performance in the final was near-perfect, with 14 out of 15 arrows hitting the 10-ring, securing a comfortable victory.
A Campaign of Medals
The individual bronze medal adds to Mani Ratnam’s impressive haul at the Aichi-Nagoya Games. He was also a pivotal member of the Indian men’s compound archery team that clinched the gold medal earlier in the week. This dual success underscores a standout performance for the young archer on his first major multi-sport outing for India.
Road to the Asian Games
Mani Ratnam’s journey in archery began around 2015 when he transitioned from karate. His early interest was nurtured by his first coach, Shivashankar, and supported by his parents, who ensured he had the resources for training. His academic and athletic pursuits have been supported by SRM Institute of Science and Technology, where he is pursuing a BCA in Data Science. He has previously achieved success as the Junior Asian Champion in 2024 and won a silver medal at the 2023 World Youth Championships in Ireland.
The Indian compound archery contingent concluded its campaign at the Asian Games with a total of four medals, comprising three gold and one bronze. This reflects a strong showing for India in the discipline at this prestigious international event.
The Chenab Times News Desk