Inaugural Archery Premier League Set to Launch in New Delhi

The Archery Association of India is launching the inaugural Archery Premier League in New Delhi from October 2 to 12. With six teams featuring renowned archers like Deepika Kumari and Brady Ellison, the league aims to enhance the sport's visibility across India, including rural areas. AAI officials express confidence in the league's potential, despite the absence of some international archers. This event promises to be a significant step forward for archery in the country, with combined teams of recurve and compound archers competing for the first time.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 19, 2025, 05:57 IST

Archery Premier League to Debut in New Delhi

The Archery Association of India (AAI) has revealed plans for the first-ever Archery Premier League, scheduled to take place in New Delhi from October 2 to 12 at the Yamuna Sports Complex. The AAI unveiled the league format and introduced all six participating teams on Thursday.

The teams competing in this inaugural edition include Prithviraj Yodhas (New Delhi), Mighty Marathas (Maharashtra), Kakatiya Knights (Telangana), Rajputana Royals (Rajasthan), Chero Archers (Jharkhand), and Chola Chiefs (Tamil Nadu), each selecting eight archers for their rosters. Notable national and international archers, such as Brady Ellison, Deepika Kumari, and Atanu Das, are set to participate.

AAI president Arjun Munda expressed enthusiasm about the league, stating, “The launch of the Archery Premier League marks a significant milestone for the sport in India. Our goal is to broaden our outreach across the nation, including rural and tribal areas. We believe this league will provide our archers with invaluable exposure, preparing them for future competitions.”

Despite the absence of Korean and Chinese archers in the league, AAI secretary general Virendra Sachdeva downplayed the situation, emphasizing that their focus was on those willing to participate. “We are optimistic about their involvement in future editions, depending on the league's execution. I am confident this league will endure,” Sachdeva remarked.

League director Anil Kamineni noted that World Archery is also looking forward to the event, stating, “For the first time globally, we will see combined teams of recurve and compound archers competing together.”