After Asian Games Glory, India’s Archers Gear Up for Archery Premier League in Hyderabad
Following Asian Games glory, India's top archers head to Hyderabad for the Archery Premier League Season 2 starting October 8.
Fresh from a spectacular nine-medal haul at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, India’s archery superstars are ready to swap their national jerseys for franchise colors. The excitement shifts to Hyderabad as the second season of the Archery Premier League (APL) kicks off on October 8.
The continental campaign was a landmark moment for Indian archery, producing individual breakthroughs and a wealth of gold medals. Among the standout performers was seventeen-year-old Kumkum Anil Mohod, who made history as the first Indian to secure an individual Asian Games gold in recurve archery. Alongside her, Jyothi Surekha Vennam played a pivotal role in defending India's women’s team gold, while Sahil Rajesh Jadhav emerged as a powerhouse with two gold medals to his name.
A High-Stakes Battle in Hyderabad
The APL Season 2 will take place at People’s Plaza on Necklace Road, running until October 18. This season promises intense competition, featuring 48 elite archers split across six franchises. The talent pool is perfectly balanced, with an equal division of men and women competing in both recurve and compound events.
Adding to the intensity is the league's unique 15-second shot clock. This format demands lightning-fast decision-making and the ability to maintain composure under immense pressure, testing the mental fortitude of even the most seasoned champions.
The Franchise Showdown: Squads and Superstars
The league has assembled a formidable lineup of domestic legends and international icons. Here is how the powerhouses are shaping up:
- Chero Archers: This squad will feature the in-form duo of Kumkum and Sahil. They are bolstered by Danish star Mathias Fullerton and Indian veteran Atanu Das.
- Chola Chiefs: Combining youth and experience, they pair Asian Games double gold medallist Chikitha Taniparthi with Brazil’s Marcus D’Almeida. The squad also includes four-time Olympian Deepika Kumari and Rajat Chauhan.
- Rajputana Royals: The defending champions are looking to retain their title with a heavyweight lineup including Tokyo Olympic champion Mete Gazoz and British star Ella Gibson. They are supported by Ankita Bhakat and former world champion Ojas Pravin Deotale.
- Mighty Marathas: A global powerhouse featuring Asian Games silver medallist Dhiraj Bommadevara, Dutch star Mike Schloesser, and Mexican Olympic medallist Alejandra Valencia.
- Kakatiya Knights: Led by the multi-gold medallist Jyothi Surekha Vennam, the team includes international talents Nico Wiener and Elia Canales, alongside Neeraj Chauhan.
- Prithviraaj Yodhas: Relying on the expertise of Abhishek Verma and Andrea Becerra, this team also features Kirti Sharma, a recent Asian Games gold medallist.
Building the Future of Indian Archery
APL Director Anil Kamineni noted that the recent Asian Games success provides an incredible backdrop for the league. He emphasized that seeing medallists compete against each other and alongside world-class talent will elevate the quality of the sport.
Supporting this sentiment, Archery Association of India Secretary General Virender Sachdeva highlighted the developmental importance of the league. He stated that the competition allows Indian archers to refine their skills against Olympic and World champions, serving as an inspiration for the next generation of athletes.
For India's recent champions, the transition from national glory to franchise rivalry begins in Hyderabad, where the pursuit of the APL title awaits.