The Archery Premier League (APL) has joined the expanding list of first-time franchise-based leagues launched in India this year. Giving tribute to blend the global appeal of archery with the richness of Indian mythology, the league kicked off on the festival of Dussehra. However, heavy rains in the city on Thursday kept large sections of the crowd away from the Yamuna Sports Complex, affecting attendance at both the opening ceremony and the first three matches.
The league saw six franchises and eight archers’ teams, each named after the historical dynasties of India – Prithviraj Yodhas (Delhi), Mighty Marathas (Maharashtra), Kakatiya Knights (Telangana), Rajputana Royals (Rajasthan), Chero Archers (Jharkhand) and Chola Chiefs (Tamil Nadu). The league format combines both compound and recurve archery, with four archers from each team competing against four from the opposing side.
However, the day, supposed to be the spectacle of archery and divinity, turned into a rain-marred spectacle.
When the seasoned archer, Deepika Kumari, spoke to the reporters, she stated, “In some ways it’s a good day and in some ways a bad way to start the league today. It’s good because people will get to know archery in a modern way. But it’s bad because not too many people were able to make it to the venue today.” Kumari, representing the Chola Chiefs, defeated Atanu Das’ Chero Archers 5-1.
The opening ceremony, attended by Telugu film star Ram Charan, saw more police personnel than fans. When Charan attempted to meet the archers, his unruly fan circle broke past security and spilt into the group of players waiting to interact with him.
One of the team coaches shouted at the crowd to clear space and eventually told the archers to move with their equipment. Fortunately, the smaller turnout at the Yamuna Sports Complex helped prevent a bigger incident.
A team coach stated, “I have a 15-year-old archer who is crying, and I’m angry. They didn’t show any social sense. The people are simply not ready to listen.”
While talking to the Indian Express, the director of APL, Anil Kamineni, stated, “The hindrance today was the rain. We had so many people coming, and then they said they wouldn’t be able to make it. But we said it’s our archery; it’s a sport, so it has to go on. So, there’s no question of cancelling. So, we went ahead.”
A TV deal is still pending, but Kamineni confirmed that talks are on and an OTT platform is ready to step in immediately.
Despite early challenges, the league’s format is engaging. With just 20 seconds for each shot, archers must fire quickly and clear space for their teammates, creating a sense of urgency. Featuring two recurve and two compound archers aiming at different targets, the format offers a unique twist that sets it apart from the Olympic style.
“It’s easier for recurve to quickly set up and shoot an arrow, but it’s tough for the compound archers. Our goal is to reach the shooting line quickly and take a shot no matter what. Now we have to think about our shot, as well as the time on the clock,” said Deepika.
