10 Years after picking up bow, 20-year-old Ganesh Mani wins Asian Games gold
Vijayawada: For Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru, archery began with a moment of curiosity in 2016. Ten years later, the 20-year-old has won gold at his maiden Asian Games.”This is a great and proud moment for India. I feel so honoured to win this medal,” Ganesh said after his win.
His introduction came when coach Siva Sankar demonstrated archery in Naidupeta in August 2016. Ganesh, who had taken up karate then, soon acquired his first compound bow and began training.”My first international competition was the Youth World Championships in 2023, where I won silver. Since then, there has been a lot to learn,” he said.
At his first Asian Games, he also won individual bronze – the first time an Indian archer won an individual medal in compound archery at the continental event.”Archery is a sport where there is a lot of pressure on the individual. Shooting in that situation can be complicated. We are fortunate to have the right coaches who keep us composed,” he said.
“Standing on the podium felt surreal. It was a dream come true,” he added.His coaches recall the journey. Siva Sankar remembers a young student who willingly spent extra hours practising. Coach Kamal, who has trained him for five years since Class 11, said, “He is always sincere, but over the years, he has become much more focused. He does not waste time.”
