Launched by the national archery federation in September 2025, the league is the sport’s first league-format competition, designed to give Indian archers more high-pressure, match-play experience than traditional domestic formats provide. It aims to bridge the gap between training and elite international events.
The inaugural edition featured six teams representing different states, with the Rajputana Royals lifting the champion’s trophy. Its fast-paced match structure set it apart from conventional tournaments, offering archers a challenging environment while remaining accessible and engaging for spectators.
Each team included two recurve and two compound archers – men and women – competing within a tight two-minute window. With as little as 15 seconds per arrow, the format tested athletes’ speed, precision, communication and composure, resonating strongly with both fans and competitors.
The competition drew several national- and international-level athletes, giving younger archers the opportunity to compete alongside some of the most experienced names. The innovative format also boosted spectator engagement, helping archery reach wider online and in-stadium audiences.
World Archery Champion Jyothi Surekha Vennam described the format as a crucial step in India’s competitive evolution.
“The league was a one-of-a-kind experience,” the 29-year-old said. “The rules were different from usual competitions, but coming together as teams helped all of us. It was challenging at first, but we adapted day by day and ended up shooting very high scores in the finals.”
This recognition highlights the Archery Premier League’s growing role in elevating professional archery, increasing the sport’s visibility and creating new pathways for emerging Indian archers in the years ahead.
