The Archery Premier League (APL) has injected new life into Indian archery, and few voices carry more weight in celebrating its impact than that of Abhishek Verma.
The Arjuna Awardee and compound ace, representing Prithviraaj Yoddhas, believes the APL has arrived at just the right time bringing structure, visibility, and inspiration to a sport long deserving of a professional stage.
As the APL continues to deliver thrilling contests and fan engagement across cities, Verma sees the league as a breakthrough moment for Indian archery one that mirrors how other sports in the country evolved through franchise-based competitions.
“This league is a big event. In India, we already have so many professional sports, but archery was missing. No other country has tried something like this before, so it’s a proud moment for Indian archers,” Verma said. “With the world’s top players here, our archers are getting to practice, compete, and learn from them. The atmosphere is very positive, and it gives us a clear goal to chase.”
A Game-Changer for Indian Archery
Launched earlier this year, the APL brings together India’s top recurve and compound archers alongside international stars, all competing in a high-intensity, team-based format. For Verma, who has represented India at multiple World Cups and World Championships, the league fills a vital gap offering regular, televised, high-pressure matches that mirror international standards.
India’s archers have made steady progress on the world stage over the past decade, but the elusive Olympic medal remains a missing piece. Verma believes the APL could be instrumental in closing that gap.
“At the Olympics, our performance has been good, but it hasn’t resulted in a medal so far. That gap is felt by everyone,” he said. “Now, with this league and with compound archery also included internationally in the mixed team event we are stronger. Our team looks solid, and I’m confident we can win medals soon.”
He added that one of the most valuable aspects of the APL is the interaction with top foreign archers, something Indian athletes rarely experienced outside international events.
“Earlier, we only watched them. Now, we talk, train, eat and even travel with them. This makes them feel like teammates, not rivals,” Verma said. “That interaction helps us overcome stage fright. Once you realize they’re human too with their own misses and mistakes you shoot with more freedom.”
Bridging the Gap Between Talent and Exposure
For years, Indian archery has produced world-class names from Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das to Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Ojas Deotale yet the sport struggled for mainstream visibility. The APL’s professional structure, complete with team franchises, live broadcasts, and fan interaction, is starting to change that narrative.
Verma, one of India’s most decorated compound archers, feels this environment will help India’s younger athletes develop faster and think bigger.
He particularly credits the league format for replicating the pressure of major tournaments.
“In international events, we get only a few chances a year to experience that high-pressure moment. The APL gives us that every week,” he said. “When you stand in front of cameras and a crowd, your heart rate changes, your breathing changes. Learning to handle that is key to performing under pressure at the Olympics or World Championships.”
A Broader Ecosystem of Support
Beyond the competition, Verma also acknowledged the growing support Indian sportspersons receive from the government, especially through secure job opportunities and financial stability that allow athletes to train without distraction.
“Sports has given me everything money, a job, and security. I joined the Income Tax Department as Assistant Commissioner through the sports quota,” Verma said. “The government has done well to secure athletes’ futures by reserving jobs. Depending on your level national, international, or Olympic the opportunities are there. This support system motivates athletes to perform even better.”
Verma emphasized that such backing has a long-term multiplier effect encouraging more youngsters to take up sport seriously while easing parental concerns about career stability.
“When parents know there’s a future in sport, they’ll support their kids. That’s how you grow a culture of champions,” he noted.
The Mind Behind the Bow
A conversation with Abhishek Verma isn’t complete without discussing the mental side of archery — a sport often defined by precision, calmness, and control.
For him, fitness is as much about the mind as the body.
“Archery teaches patience. It’s not about aggression; it’s about control,” he explained. “Whether you hit a 10 or an 8, your reaction should remain calm. Fitness is both physical and mental.”
Verma’s daily training routine is a study in discipline: half an hour of running or gym work, followed by five to six hours of shooting roughly 300–350 arrows a day. But beyond the repetition lies the quiet mastery of mental focus.
“Meditation and yoga are crucial,” he said. “Visualization is another powerful technique. We imagine taking a perfect shot without even releasing an arrow. Whoever has the best control over mind and body usually wins.”
A New Era for Archery in India
With the APL now in full swing, Verma believes Indian archery is entering its most exciting phase yet — one where exposure, infrastructure, and ambition are finally aligning.
“It’s the first time our sport feels like part of the larger sporting ecosystem,” he said. “The league has made archery visible, aspirational, and competitive everything a growing sport needs.”
As the APL continues to draw fans and inspire young archers, Verma’s optimism feels well-founded. For a nation still chasing its first Olympic archery medal, the foundation is stronger than ever.
And in that sense, the league is already hitting its mark.
