Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat credit the franchise-based competition’s unique format for improving their performances on the international stage ahead of Season 2 in Hyderabad.
India's Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat (PC: IANS)
As the Archery Premier League (APL) prepares for its second season in Hyderabad this October, many of India’s leading archers believe the franchise-based competition is doing more than entertaining fans – it is helping athletes develop the skills needed to succeed on the international stage.
Since its launch in 2025, the APL has introduced a unique format that brings together recurve and compound archers, men and women, in mixed franchise teams. With a reduced 15-second shot clock – five seconds shorter than the time allowed in Olympic and World Archery competition – athletes are required to make decisions and execute shots under increased pressure.
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For several Indian archers, that experience has translated into stronger performances internationally.
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Among them is Dhiraj Bommadevara, who enjoyed a breakthrough 2026 season, claiming recurve men’s gold at the Hyundai Archery World Cup stage in Antalya and recently adding a mixed team title alongside Sangeeta at the World Military Games.
The Mighty Marathas archer believes the APL’s fast-paced format has helped sharpen his ability to perform under pressure.
“The spotlight event in the APL is very challenging. Normally, we get around 20 seconds, but in the APL it’s reduced to 15 seconds, which makes it much tougher. It’s a simple concept, but a very exciting one, and we’re constantly working on improving ourselves and understanding the format better. We even include elements of it in our daily practice,” Bommadevara said.
The shortened shot clock is designed to simulate the pressure situations athletes frequently encounter at major international events, where a single arrow can determine medals and rankings.
Beyond competition, the league has also created opportunities for Indian archers to interact closely with some of the world’s best athletes. Season 1 featured Olympic champion Mete Gazoz, compound world champion Ella Gibson, five-time Olympian Brady Ellison and several other international stars competing alongside Indian archers in franchise teams.
Olympian Ankita Bhakat, who was part of the title-winning Rajputana Royals team during the inaugural season, has also previously spoken about the impact of the league on her performances.
Following India’s recurve women’s team gold-medal-winning campaign at the Shanghai World Cup stage earlier this year, Bhakat told World Archery that the APL had played a key role in her development.
“The Archery Premier League was the turning point,” Bhakat said.
“It taught us a lot about adaptation and timing. We had two minutes for four people to shoot in the team event, which meant each archer had only 15 seconds compared to the usual 20.”
“There was hardly any time to think while standing on the shooting line and that was the click for me. I just continued with that rhythm and it worked in the following tournaments.”
Bhakat’s comments echo Bommadevara’s assessment, highlighting how the league’s shortened shot clock has helped Indian archers become more comfortable making decisions and executing shots under pressure.
The exchange of ideas has become one of the league’s most significant benefits. While the fundamentals of archery remain universal, athletes gain exposure to different training philosophies, competition routines, recovery methods and approaches to mental preparation. Such interactions can often prove as valuable as the competition itself.
The league’s impact comes at a time when Indian archery continues to make steady progress on the world stage. Several national team members have delivered strong results over the past two seasons, with many of them also competing in the APL.
Season 2 of the Archery Premier League will be held at People’s Plaza, Necklace Road, Hyderabad, from October 8-18. The tournament will feature six franchises – Mighty Marathas, Rajputana Royals, Prithviraaj Yodhas, Kakatiya Knights, Chero Archers and Chola Chiefs – and will bring together leading Indian and international archers across recurve and compound disciplines.
As the league returns for its second edition, its long-term significance may extend beyond results and trophies. By providing Indian archers with regular exposure to high-pressure competition and opportunities to learn from the world’s best, the APL is gradually building an environment that could strengthen India’s prospects on the international stage for years to come.
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