Five international stars to headline Archery Premier League Season 2
Five Olympic medallists and world champions, including Mete Gazoz, are set to headline the Archery Premier League Season 2 in Hyderabad.
The Archery Premier League (APL) is gearing up for a massive second season, promising a high-octane showdown in Hyderabad. In a major boost to the league's prestige, five international titans—including Olympic medallists and world champions—are set to join India's top archers in a fast-paced, 15-second shooting format.
Global Icons Set to Dominate the Range
The upcoming season will see a heavy infusion of international talent, raising the competitive bar significantly. The star-studded lineup includes:
- Mete Gazoz (Turkey): The Olympic champion and 2023 World Champion will represent the defending champions, Rajputana Royals. Gazoz, a former world No. 1, recently added a men’s team bronze from Paris 2024 to his illustrious trophy cabinet.
- Marcus D’Almeida (Brazil): Joining the Chola Chiefs, D’Almeida is a history-maker who became Brazil's first world No. 1 in recurve archery. His credentials include three World Championship medals and the 2023 World Cup Final title.
- Mike Schloesser (Netherlands): Known as ‘Mister Perfect,’ the compound archery legend will join Mighty Marathas alongside India’s Dhiraj Bommadevara. Schloesser holds the distinction of being the first man to shoot a perfect 600 in compound archery.
- Ella Gibson (Great Britain): The world No. 1 women’s compound archer will bolster the Rajputana Royals. As a world record holder for the 15-arrow match, her rapid shooting style is expected to be a perfect match for the APL's unique 15-second format.
- Alejandra Valencia (Mexico): A three-time Olympian, Valencia will strengthen the recurve contingent for Mighty Marathas. Her recent successes include bronze medals at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics.
A Fusion of Olympic Pedigree and Indian Talent
The second season of the APL aims to create a unique spectacle by blending the elite experience of these global superstars with the rising prowess of India’s domestic archers. The league will feature India’s Asian Games medallists competing on the same stage as the world's best.
With the competition being contested in a rapid-fire 15-second format, the pressure on both the international veterans and the Indian stars will be immense. The event is poised to transform Hyderabad into the global epicenter of archery as these legends battle for league glory.