Archery Premier League (India): Full Guide to Teams, Players, Format, Results and Champions
Overview
The Archery Premier League (APL) launched its inaugural season in October 2025 in New Delhi, introducing a franchise-style professional archery format featuring both Indian and international stars.
Rajputana Royals emerged as the first-ever champions, defeating Prithviraaj Yodhas in a dramatic 5–4 shoot-off finish.
What is the Archery Premier League (APL)?
A professional, franchise-based archery league in India.
Features six teams representing different states/cities.Includes 36 Indian and 12 international players through a player draft system.
The inaugural season was held from October 2–12, 2025, at the Yamuna Sports Complex, New Delhi.
The format focused on daily team matches leading to playoffs and finals.
APL 2025 Season Overview
Dates: October 2–12, 2025
Venue: Yamuna Sports Complex, New Delhi
Format:
Set-play team matches leading into playoffs.
Final decided by a hit-or-miss shoot-off
(yellow-dot target) after a 4–4 tie.
Teams and Home States1.
Rajputana Royals (Rajasthan)Head Coach: Jiwanjot Singh Teja2025 Champions2.
Prithviraaj Yodhas (Delhi)Head Coach: Lokesh Chand2025 Runner-up3.
Mighty Marathas (Maharashtra)Strong league-stage performers, playoff qualifiers.4.
Chero Archers (Jharkhand)Head Coach: Purnima MahatoReached playoffs.5.
Chola Chiefs (Tamil Nadu)Star Players: Brady Ellison, Tarundeep Rai, Deepika Kumari, Rishabh Yadav.6.
Kakatiya Knights (Telangana)Head Coach: Rahul Banerjee.
Star Players and Draft Highlights
Chero Archers: Signed Olympian Atanu Das to strengthen both recurve and compound categories.
Chola Chiefs: Drafted Brady Ellison (USA), Tarundeep Rai, Deepika Kumari, and Rishabh Yadav for marquee visibility.
League Stage: Points and StandingsTop Seed: Rajputana Royals led throughout and entered finals as the top-ranked team.Playoff Qualifiers:Rajputana RoyalsMighty MarathasPrithviraaj YodhasChero ArchersEliminated: Chola Chiefs, Kakatiya Knights.
Playoffs and Final: Key MomentsFinal Match: Rajputana Royals vs Prithviraaj YodhasFinal Score: 4–4 in sets; decided by 2–0 shoot-off.Shoot-off Heroes: Ella Gibson and Ojas Pravin Deotale scored decisive hits.Title Narrative:Yodhas won the opening set after a line call review.Royals equalized in set 2.
Yodhas produced the league’s first perfect 80 (eight 10s) in set 3.Royals forced a tie after Yodhas missed a clinching shot in set 4.Royals sealed victory in the shoot-off.
—Rajputana Royals: Squad HighlightsKey Players: Ojas Pravin Deotale, Ella Gibson, Mete Gazoz, Ankita Bhakat, Prathamesh Bhalchandra Fuge, Swati Dudhwal, Sachin Gupta, Basanti Mahato.Strength: Balanced recurve and compound lineup.Performance: Undefeated through the first week; maintained dominance till finals.—
Prithviraaj Yodhas: Road to the FinalLeadership: Veteran guidance combined with rising youth talent.Notable Performer: 15-year-old Gatha Anandrao Khadake, who hit multiple clutch 10s in key matches.Record Moment: First-ever perfect 80 in the APL final’s third set.
—Unique APL Shoot-Off Format
Concept: “Hit-or-Miss” yellow-dot format for maximum spectator drama.Rules:4 archers per team, 1 arrow each.Targets:Compound: 4 cm yellow dot at 50 m.Recurve: 6.1 cm yellow dot at 70 m.Team with more hits wins the tiebreak.
—Official Recognition and Media Coverage
World Archery Coverage: The APL final and results were officially featured on World Archery’s website, confirming international recognition.Indian Media: National sports channels and digital outlets highlighted the league and its innovative format, boosting audience engagement.
—Complete APL 2025 Snapshot
Winner: Rajputana RoyalsRunner-up: Prithviraaj YodhasVenue: Yamuna Sports Complex, New DelhiDates: October 2–12, 2025Teams: SixFinal Scoreline: 4–4 (Rajputana Royals won 2–0 in shoot-off)
—Why APL Matters for Indian Archery
Athlete Development: Continuous match exposure improved consistency and pressure management.Popularity Boost: Franchise branding, celebrity involvement, and televised matches expanded archery’s fan base in India.Cultural Milestone: The APL demonstrated that archery can be both competitive and entertaining at a professional level.
—Key Takeaways for Fans and Media
Clutch Performers: Ella Gibson and Ojas Deotale’s precision under pressure defined the championship.
Rising Star: Gatha Khadake emerged as India’s most promising teenage recurve archer.
Format Innovation: The hit-or-miss shoot-off format created instant fan appeal and a clear, thrilling finish.
—FAQsQ.
How many teams competed in APL 2025?
A total of six franchise teams participated in the inaugural edition.
Q. Where was APL 2025 played?
The Archery Premier League (APL) represents a significant evolution in the sport, combining competitive excellence with engaging entertainment. This inaugural edition featured six franchise teams and highlighted elite archers while also providing a platform for emerging talents. The innovative shoot-off format not only enhanced viewer engagement but also showcased the athletes’ precision and strategy. As the APL progresses, it promises to further popularize archery and inspire a new generation of archers in India.
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