Satya School, Gurugram, celebrated its annual sports day, ‘Satyan Spardha’, in the presence of Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru, Indian compound archer and double medallist at the Asian Games 2026 on Nov 3.
Students from Classes 6 to 12 took part in a range of activities, including races, drills, hurdles and other track-and-field events. The programme also featured dance performances and a flash mob, adding to the day’s celebrations. A key highlight of the event was the opportunity for students to hear first-hand about the journey of an international athlete and gain an understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level. Also present were Ms. Manisha Malhotra, Director-Principal of Satya School, members of the governing council, parents, students and school staff.
During his interaction with the students, Mr. Thirumuru spoke about his journey in archery. Tracing his progression from the School Games in 2017 to winning an individual bronze and team gold at the Asian Games 2026, he shared how consistent practice, competitive exposure and learning from setbacks shaped his journey. He encouraged students to explore diverse interests, take on new challenges and remain committed to their aspirations.
In his formal address to the students during the opening, Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru said, “Standing on that podium at the Asian Games did not happen overnight. It came after years of early mornings, consistent practice and countless arrows that did not hit the mark before the ones that did. Archery has taught me that focus is not something you are born with; it is something you build every single day. Winning two medals at my first Asian Games was a proud moment, but it also reminded me that there is always more to learn. You have to trust your preparation, especially when the pressure is high. I believe the same applies to every aspect of life. Confidence comes from putting yourself out there, participating, competing and learning from experience. To the students of Satya School, I would say, keep exploring, keep participating and do not be afraid of getting things wrong. Success comes from showing up, putting in the work and persevering even when things do not go your way.”
Manisha Malhotra, Director-Principal, Satya School, Gurugram, said, “At Satya School, we believe every child should have the opportunity to discover their strengths and the confidence to pursue their interests. Sports play an important role in this journey, teaching children to stay focused, work collaboratively and learn from both successes and setbacks. They also help build resilience, encourage children to persevere through challenges and instil respect for opponents, while helping them recognise that winning and losing are both part of the learning process. We also believe that exposure to accomplished individuals from different fields can broaden students’ perspectives and offer valuable insights into their journeys. Ganesh’s story is a wonderful example of what sustained effort, discipline and self-belief can achieve. Our role as a school is to create an environment where every child has the opportunity, guidance and encouragement to discover their passions and the confidence to pursue them.”
