The History of Archery: From Survival to Sport
Archery is one of the oldest arts still practiced today, with a history stretching back tens of thousands of years.
Archery League India: A New Era for Indian Archery Begins
1. A Pioneering Franchise-Based Tournament
India is gearing up to host the world’s first-ever archery league—a franchise-style competition launched by the Archery Association of India (AAI). Slated for October 2025 at Delhi’s Yamuna Sports Complex, this groundbreaking league will run for approximately 11 days. It features six city-based franchise teams combining elite Indian talent with some of the world’s top-ranked international recurve and compound archers.Khel NowThePrintIansLiveThe Tribune
2. Unique, Inclusive Format
- Disciplines: Both recurve (70m) and compound (50m) archery categories are included.
- Structure: Each team comprises a mix of male and female archers from both disciplines. Recurve and compound archers will compete side by side under floodlights, offering a thrilling spectacle.Khel NowThe StatesmanThe Daily Guardian
- Global Talent: Teams will feature foreign archers ranked in the World Top 10, elevating the competitive standard.Khel NowThe Tribune
3. Star-Studded Line-Up
Some of India’s finest archers are confirmed participants:
- Recurve: Olympians Deepika Kumari (world No. 3), Dhiraj Bommadevara (No. 14), Tarundeep Rai, Atanu Das, and more.IansLiveThe Daily GuardianKhel Now
- Compound: Rishabh Yadav (No. 9), Jyothi Surekha Vennam (No. 3), Abhishek Verma (No. 10), and several others.IansLiveThe Daily Guardian
4. Institutional & Strategic Support
The league has gained endorsements from key organizations, including World Archery, World Archery Asia, and India’s Ministry of Sports. AAI president Arjun Munda and secretary-general Virendra Sachdeva emphasize the league’s aim to boost India’s Olympic preparations and popularize archery nationally.Khel NowThePrintIansLiveOutlook IndiaThe Statesman
5. A Strong Media Presence
AAI is actively discussing broadcasting partnerships with Sony Sports and JioHotstar to ensure wide digital and TV coverage.ThePrintRediff
Why It Matters
| Benefits | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Global Exposure for Indian Archers | Sharing the field with international stars enhances performance and experience. |
| Spectator Appeal | The team-based, under-lights format captures attention and is viewer-friendly. |
| Olympic Momentum | This competitive platform builds resilience and readiness for major global events. |
| Commercial Growth | A franchise model opens avenues for sponsorship, media coverage, and fan engagement. |
Summary at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Archery Premier League / Indian Archery League |
| Format | Franchise-based, mixed-gender, mixed-discipline teams |
| Duration | Around 11 days, October 2025 |
| Location | Yamuna Sports Complex, New Delhi |
| Participation | ~36 Indian + ~12 foreign archers across six teams |
| Objective | Elevate Indian archery, boost Olympic performance, and enhance sport visibility |
| Supporters | AAI, Sports Ministry, World Archery, broadcasters |
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