New Delhi, October 2, 2025 — The much-anticipated inaugural season of the Archery Premier League (APL) began with a bang at the Yamuna Sports Complex in the capital on Thursday. Despite early rain showers threatening to dampen the excitement, the skies cleared just in time, setting the stage for a spectacular opening night filled with glamour, precision, and fierce competition.
The evening was set alight by the presence of global cinema icon Ram Charan, who graced the occasion as the official brand ambassador of the APL. Joining him was celebrated actor Randeep Hooda, co-owner of the Prithiviraaj Yodhas, adding star power to an already electric atmosphere.
After the opening ceremony, Ram Charan met with players from all six participating teams, lined up under the floodlights, ready to compete in the league’s unique and fast-paced format.
A Unique Format, World-Class Talent
Each team in the APL features two recurve and two compound archers, with a mandatory mix of two men and two women. In every match, each archer shoots two arrows per set, within a 120-second time limit. The first team to secure five or more points in a best-of-three sets format is declared the winner.
Match Highlights — Day 1
Match 1: Chola Chiefs vs Chero Archers
The historic first match of APL Season 1 saw Chola Chiefs edge out Chero Archers in a tense battle.
- Result: Chola Chiefs won 5-1
- Set Scores: 77-73, 75-74, 76-76 (Draw)
The Chiefs clinched the first two sets before a tie in the third sealed their victory.
Match 2: Kakatiya Knights vs Mighty Marathas
In the second match, the Mighty Marathas delivered a dominant performance, blanking the Kakatiya Knights.
- Result: Mighty Marathas won 6-0
- Set Scores: 73-66, 77-72, 78-71
A clean sweep for the Marathas, who showcased both power and precision.
Match 3: Rajputana Royals vs Prithiviraaj Yodhas
The final match of the day saw Rajputana Royals mirror the Marathas with another emphatic 6-0 win over the Prithiviraaj Yodhas.
- Set Scores: 75-72, 74-72, 77-74
The Royals held their nerve in every set, sealing a perfect start to their campaign.
A Grand Beginning
The Archery Premier League has launched with everything fans could hope for — star-studded ceremonies, innovative format, and high-octane action on the range. With the first round-robin phase underway, anticipation is building for what promises to be a groundbreaking season for the sport of archery in India.
