Archery Premier League Season 2 Kicks Off in Hyderabad Following Asian Games Success

India’s premier archery talent has descended upon Hyderabad for the second season of the Archery Premier League (APL), marking a high-profile return to domestic competition following a dominant performance at the 2026 Asian Games. The national contingent, which secured five gold, two silver, and two bronze medals in Aichi-Nagoya, is looking to build on their recent international momentum in a unique format that pairs local stars with global competitors.

The excitement surrounding the league is bolstered by the recent success of athletes like Chikitha Taniparthi, Sahil Jadhav, and Kumkum Mohod, who secured vital quotas for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Taniparthi, who claimed two gold medals at the Asian Games, highlighted the role the APL played in her development. During a pre-season press conference, she noted that the league’s high-pressure environment and the opportunity to observe international teammates helped her refine her technique and manage the faster shot clock effectively.

The tournament features six teams, each boasting a mix of Indian talent and international expertise. The Kakatiya Knights include Nico Wiener and Elia Canales, while the Prithviraj Yodhas feature Mexican duo Matias Grande and Andrea Maya Becerra Arizaga. The Rajputana Royals have bolstered their squad with Great Britain’s Ella Gibson and Turkiye’s Mete Gazoz. The Chero Archers will field Mathias Fullerton from Denmark and American Casey Kaufhold, while the Mighty Marathas include Mike Schloesser of the Netherlands and Mexico’s Alejandra Valencia Trujillo. Finally, the Chola Chiefs, led by Taniparthi, feature Colombia’s Alejandra Usquiano and Brazil’s Marcus D’Almeida.