The Archery Association of India (AAI) has announced the athletes for the first season of the Archery Premier League. The competition will debut in October at the Yamuna Sports Complex in New Delhi.
For the first time, Indian and international archers will compete in a franchise-style format. The league aims to boost the sport’s popularity and inspire fans.
India’s Best to Feature in Inaugural Edition
The league will feature India’s top names in both recurve and compound categories. Olympic recurve archer Deepika Kumari (World No. 3) and rising star Dhiraj Bommadevara (World No. 14) will compete. Veteran Olympians Tarundeep Rai (Rank 4) and Atanu Das (Rank 5) will also join the recurve lineup.
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In compound, Jyothi Surekha Vennam (World No. 3), Rishabh Yadav (World No. 9), and Abhishek Verma (World No. 10) headline the field. Other top performers like Prathamesh Bhalchandra Fuge (World No. 11), Priyansh (World No. 16), and Parneet Kaur (World No. 17) are also confirmed.
Full Lineup Reflects India’s Depth
The recurve men’s list includes Neeraj Chauhan (Rank 2), Rahul (Rank 3), Rohit Kumar (Rank 6), Mrinal Chauhan (Rank 7), Sachin Gupta (Rank 8), and Krish Kumar (Rank 9).
For women, the participants are Ankita Bhakat (Rank 2), Bhajan Kaur (Rank 6), Gatha Anandrao Khadake (Rank 3), Sharvari Somnath Shende (Rank 4), Basanti Mahato (Rank 5), Kumkum Anil Mohod (Rank 7), Tisha Punia (Rank 8), and Anshika Kumari (Rank 9).
In the compound, Aman Saini (Rank 1), Ojas Pravin Deotale (Rank 5), Sahil Rajesh Jadhav (Rank 6), Chittibomma Jignas (Rank 8), and Pulkit Kajla (Rank 9) will feature. Among women, the list includes Prithika Pradeep (Rank 3), Taniparthi Chikitha (Rank 4), Avneet Kaur (Rank 5), Madala Surya Hamsini (Rank 6), Swati Dudhwal (Rank 7), Madhura Dhamangaonkar (Rank 8), and Pranjal Rajendra Salve (Rank 9).
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Franchise Model Meets Archery
The league will divide players across six franchises. Matches will see recurve and compound archers shooting together—70m and 50m respectively—under lights. This unique setup mirrors the success of franchise leagues in other sports and could change the way archery is viewed in India.
Strong Backing for the League
AAI President Arjun Munda said, “We are delighted to have the presence of India’s best archers in the first season. Their presence will drive eyeballs and ensure high competition.”
Secretary General Virendra Sachdeva added, “Indian archers have long been making their mark on the world stage. It is because of their success that we can launch this league and make it a must-watch for fans.” The league has also received support from World Archery, World Archery Asia, and the Sports Ministry of India.
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