Kochi, Feb 20 (NationPress) The third edition of the National Ranking Archery Tournament, a premier domestic event organized by the Archery Association of India (AAI), wrapped up at Sacred Heart College, Ernakulam, Kerala, uniting elite archers from around the nation.

In the senior events, fierce competition was evident as Dhiraj Bommadevara (SSCB) clinched the top position in the Senior Recurve Men category, closely followed by Rahul (SSCB) and Mayank Kumar (Haryana).

In the Recurve Women's category, Ankita Bhakat (Jharkhand) took first place, surpassing Simranjeet Kaur (Punjab), while Olympian Deepika Kumari (PSPB) secured third.

The Senior Compound Men category saw Thirumuru Ganesh Mani Ratnam (Andhra Pradesh) emerge as the champion, with Rishabh Yadav (Haryana) and Kunderu Venkatadri (SSCB) rounding out the podium. In the Senior Compound Women, Avneet Kaur (Punjab) took the lead, followed by Aditi Gopichand Swami (Maharashtra) in second, and Maya Bishnoi (RSPB) in third.

Among junior participants, Navneet (Haryana) topped the Junior Recurve Men, Pragati Bhagat Shinde (Maharashtra) led the Sub-Junior Recurve Girls, and Thirumuru Ganesh Mani Ratnam (Andhra Pradesh) also claimed victory in the Junior Compound Men.

Taking place from February 10 to February 19, 2026, this tournament is a key component of the AAI’s national ranking system. The event, held in various phases throughout India, is vital for establishing national rankings and enhancing the competitive framework for Indian archery.

Hosting this event in Kochi signifies a major advancement in promoting the sport within Kerala. It not only drew top-tier athletes but also offered young local talents a chance to experience elite archery up close.

Arjun Munda, President of the Archery Association of India, remarked, “The successful execution of the National Ranking Tournament in Kochi underscores the increasing strength and geographical spread of Indian archery. Our aim at AAI is to cultivate a strong domestic competitive structure that nurtures world-class talent from all regions. The enthusiastic involvement and smooth organization in Kerala further solidify our vision of integrating archery deeper into India’s sporting landscape.”

Sharing this perspective, Virendra Sachdeva, Secretary General of the AAI, stated, “The importance of the National Ranking Tournament lies in its ability to gather India’s leading archers, from seasoned internationals to promising juniors, on a single platform. This blend of experience and emerging talent enhances the overall competition standard and emphasizes the unity and depth of Indian archery. Such tournaments are crucial for preparing our athletes for upcoming national and international challenges.”

The competition saw participation from top state units and institutional teams, showcasing the growing talent pool in India and emphasizing the high technical standards shaping the next generation.