The Archery Premier League (APL) made its exciting debut at Delhi’s Yamuna Sports Complex on October 3, dodging a heavy rain threat that almost canceled the show. Luckily, the clouds parted just in time, letting archers unleash their arrows in three thrilling matches during the opening round-robin phase of Season 1.
The evening started with some star power. Bollywood icon Ram Charan, serving as APL’s brand ambassador, lit up the opening ceremony alongside actor Randeep Hooda, who co-owns the Prithviraaj Yodhas team. Ram Charan even chatted with players from all six teams—Chola Chiefs, Chero Archers, Kakatiya Knights, Mighty Marathas, Rajputana Royals, and Prithviraaj Yodhas—before the action began under the floodlights.
What sets APL apart is its fast-paced team format. Each squad features four archers: two using recurve bows and two with compound bows, including two men and two women. In a match, all four shoot two arrows each within 120 seconds per set. It’s a best-of-three-sets battle, and the first team to grab five or more points wins the game—keeping everyone on their toes.
The inaugural clash saw the Chola Chiefs edge out the Chero Archers 5-1 for the league’s first victory. The Chiefs took the opener 77-73, pushed their lead with a nail-biter 75-74 in the second set, and tied the third at 76-76 to seal the deal.
Next up, the Mighty Marathas dominated the Kakatiya Knights 6-0, cruising through sets of 73-66, 77-72, and 78-71 in a one-sided showdown.
The night wrapped with the Rajputana Royals shutting down Randeep Hooda’s Prithviraaj Yodhas 6-0, winning tight sets 75-72, 74-72, and 77-74.
India’s Olympic archer Deepika Kumari, who plays for the Chola Chiefs and helped secure their win, shared her thrill with reporters. “I was wondering when our league would come. Finally, it’s here, and I’m playing—I even won my first match,” she said. “I’m very excited, especially since foreign players are joining us and playing alongside. Everyone is buzzing to team up… This format is very different and fast. It’s good and a little interesting because you don’t have time to think—you only get 15 seconds per arrow. Compound archery needs more time, but here, you just go, shoot, and come back. That’s it.”
With international talent mixing in and this innovative setup, the APL promises to boost archery in India and draw fans worldwide.
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