India’s star archer Deepika Kumari sees the new Archery Premier League (APL) as a game-changer for the sport. The former world No. 1 says this professional franchise league will let her battle top global talents, boosting her chances of grabbing an Olympic medal at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Deepika, a recurve archer eyeing her possible fifth Olympics in 2028, calls the APL the perfect platform to hone her skills for that big dream. “LA 2028 is my ultimate goal,” she told reporters. “I’ve always wanted to stand on the Olympic podium, and I think the Archery Premier League can fuel that journey. It mirrors the high-stakes pressure of the Olympics—shooting in front of cheering crowds, where every arrow counts, and facing off against the world’s best. Mastering that will make me even tougher for Los Angeles.”
For over a decade, Deepika has been the face of Indian archery. Hailing from Jamshedpur, she’s climbed to world No. 1 multiple times, snagged plenty of World Cup medals, and earned top honors like the Padma Shri and Arjuna Award. Her story has inspired countless young athletes to pick up a bow, and she remains a strong hope for India’s next Olympic haul.
Deepika is thrilled about teaming up with international stars in the APL, like U.S. legend and Olympic medalist Brady Ellison. “When Indian and global archers join forces on the same team, we swap training tips, strategies, and mental approaches,” she said. “That’s how we all level up. I’m pumped to see us challenge each other and raise the bar for Indian archery.”
Beyond her own ambitions, Deepika believes the league will open doors for up-and-coming talent from the grassroots level. Archery can be pricey, she notes, leaving many gifted kids in rural areas without access to gear or training. “Big companies backing the APL through investments and CSR programs can smash those barriers,” Deepika explained. “It’ll give young archers real visibility and a shot at turning this into a career.”
She also wants the league to spotlight archery’s deep roots in Indian culture and draw in more fans. “Not many people get the sport yet, but with TV, ads, and social media, the APL can change that,” she said. “The more eyes on us, the more kids will dream of becoming archers and inspiring the next wave.”
Kicking off on October 2, the Archery Premier League brings together elite Indian and international archers in a fast-paced franchise setup. It mixes recurve and compound events with fresh rules to keep things exciting, pulling fans right into the action—whether they’re in the stands or streaming at home. The event runs through October 12 in evening primetime at New Delhi’s Yamuna Sports Complex.
For Deepika, the APL isn’t just about wins—it’s about building belief. “This league bridges where Indian archery stands now and our Olympic aspirations,” she wrapped up. “It delivers the vibe, the tests, and the drive to keep going.”
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