Brief

Ganesh Mani Ratnam wins gold and bronze in compound archery at Asian Games

The Vijayawada‑born archer became the first Indian to win an individual compound medal at the Asian Games.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 11 Oct 2026 11:42:24 GMT

Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru, a 20‑year‑old compound archer from Vijayawada, secured a gold medal in the men’s team event and an individual bronze at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, according to the New Indian Express.

What happened

Competing in his first Asian Games, Ratnam helped India win the men’s compound team gold, while his solo performance earned a bronze medal – the first individual compound medal ever for an Indian at the continental event. The team victory came after a series of matches in which the Indian squad out‑scored rivals, culminating in a podium finish on the final day of the archery programme.

What the report adds

The article notes that Ratnam’s journey began in August 2016 when his first coach, Siva Sankar, demonstrated archery in Naidupeta, prompting him to switch from karate to the sport. It also records his debut on the international stage at the 2023 Youth World Championships, where he won a silver medal. His progress through school‑level competitions to the Asian Games is traced, highlighting the role of his father, school, and coaches in supporting his development.

What was said

"This is a great and proud moment for India. I feel so honoured to win this medal. It was possible because of my parents, coaches and everyone who supported me throughout this journey," Ratnam told the New Indian Express.

Coach Siva Sankar recalled, "He willingly spent extra hours practising, driven by his interest in the sport." Coach Kamal, who has trained Ratnam for five years, added, "He is always sincere, but over the years he has become much more focused. He does not waste time. We have worked step by step, and his maturity has grown."

How it came about

Ratnam’s early exposure to archery in 2016 led to the acquisition of his first compound bow and systematic training. By 2023 he was competing internationally, earning a silver at the Youth World Championships. Over the next three years, he and his coaches focused on consistency, concentration and physical fitness, preparing him for the pressures of senior‑level competition. The Asian Games, held in Nagoya with over 11,000 athletes from 45 nations, provided the platform for his breakthrough, as documented in Felo’s earlier coverage of the Games’ opening and archery results.

Key facts

Ganesh Mani Ratnam won gold in the men’s compound team event at the 2026 Asian Games (newindianexpress.com)
He also earned an individual bronze, the first Indian medal in compound archery at the Asian Games (newindianexpress.com)
Ratnam began archery in August 2016 after a demonstration by coach Siva Sankar in Naidupeta (newindianexpress.com)
He won silver at the 2023 Youth World Championships, his first international competition (newindianexpress.com)
Coaches Siva Sankar and Kamal have trained him since his early teens (newindianexpress.com)