Following a dominant performance at the 2026 Asian Games, India’s elite archery contingent has shifted focus to the domestic circuit, gathering in Hyderabad for the second season of the
The league serves as a high-stakes environment for the country's top talent, including Asian Games standouts like
Building on International Success
The current season arrives at a pivotal time for
Reflecting on the impact of the league, Taniparthi noted that the inaugural season in New Delhi was essential to her development. She highlighted that observing teammates and navigating the league's unique pressure-cooker environment directly contributed to her gold-medal performances at the Asian Games. APL director Anil Kamineni confirmed that the league is expanding, with long-term plans to increase the number of participating teams and rotate the host city annually to foster broader interest in the sport.
Tournament Structure and Rosters
The second season features a diverse lineup of talent across six franchises. The Rajputana Royals enter the competition with a formidable squad including Ojas Pravin Deotale, Ankita Bhakat, and international stars such as Mete Gazoz of Turkiye and Great Britain’s Ella Gibson. The Chola Chiefs, led by Taniparthi, have bolstered their ranks with international competitors like Brazil’s Marcus D’Almeida and Colombia’s Alejandra Usquiano.
Other teams competing for the title include the Kakatiya Knights, featuring Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Spain’s Elia Canales; the Prithviraaj Yodhas, anchored by Abhishek Verma and Mexico’s Andrea Maya Becerra Arizaga; the Chero Archers, who boast Atanu Das and USA’s Casey Kaufhold; and the Mighty Marathas, featuring Dhiraj Bommadevara and the Netherlands' Mike Schloesser. As the league moves to Hyderabad, the focus remains on whether the domestic stars can maintain their high-level form against a competitive field of both local and international peers.
