Archery Premier League: Elevating the Sport in India

Introduction to Archery Premier League

The Archery Premier League (APL) is a transformative sporting event designed to elevate the status of archery in India. By bringing together top-tier talent and enthusiastic crowds, APL aims to shine a spotlight on this ancient sport and inspire a new generation of archers.

The first edition of Archery Premier League will be held at the Yamuna Sports Complex in New Delhifrom 2 to 12 October 2025. The league was revealed to be backed by both World Archery and World Archery Asia. In the first edition, Prithviraaj Yodhas, Kakatiya Knights, Mighty Marathas, Rajputana Royals, Chero Archers and Chola Chiefs were announced as the six franchises. Ram Charan was announced as the brand ambassador of the league.

Current season, competition or edition: 2025 Archery Premier League
Sport	Archery
Founded	2025; 0 years ago
First season	2025
Administrator	Archery Association of India
No. of teams	6
Country	India
Broadcaster(s)	Television Doordarshan Streaming SonyLIV

Format and Structure of the League

Archery Premier League features 36 Indian archers and 12 top foreign archers who will be divided into six franchises. A draft system was followed instead of an auction for the inaugural edition of the league.

Each franchise comprises eight members, four men and four women.Each team includes up to two foreign archers, with at least one of them required to be part of the playing four. The league has mixed team duels in recurve and compound. Round robin fixtures will see 3 matches per day, each lasting 20 minutes. The arrow shooting time has been reduced to 15 seconds from the internationally allotted 20 seconds.

The APL is structured to provide maximum excitement and showcase the skills of each participant. It typically features:

• Teams from Various Regions: Competing teams represent different regions, promoting regional pride and competition.
• Round-Robin Format: Each team competes against every other team, ensuring a comprehensive test of skill and strategy.
• Final Showdown: The top teams face off in a climactic finale to determine the league champion.

Significance of the League

The Archery Premier League is more than just a competition; it is a platform for:

• Promoting Archery: Increasing visibility and interest in archery across India.
• Discovering Talent: Providing opportunities for emerging archers to showcase their abilities.
• Cultural Exchange: Encouraging interaction and exchange of techniques and ideas among archers from diverse backgrounds.

Impact on Archery in India

Since its inception, the APL has had a significant impact on the sport by:

• Increasing Participation: More young athletes are taking up archery.
• Enhancing Skill Levels: Archers are exposed to higher levels of competition, improving overall standards.
• Boosting Infrastructure: Increased interest has led to better training facilities and resources.

Notable Archers and Teams

The league has been a stage for many talented archers, some of whom have gone on to achieve international success. Teams such as the Mumbai Marksmen and Delhi Darts are known for their competitive spirit and skilled archers.

Future of Archery in India

The future looks bright for archery in India, with plans for expanding the league and incorporating more technological innovations to enhance audience engagement.

Conclusion

The Archery Premier League is a crucial development for archery in India, playing a pivotal role in popularizing the sport and nurturing future champions. As the league grows, it promises to contribute significantly to India's sporting landscape.

Join us in celebrating the spirit of archery and witness the rise of India's archery champions through the Archery Premier League!