The Chero Archers kept their composure when it mattered most, securing a crucial 5–3 victory over table-toppers Rajputana Royals on the final day of the round-robin stage to book the last semi-final spot in the inaugural Archery Premier League (APL) at the Yamuna Sports Complex.
Their win not only sealed qualification but also brought an emphatic close to an exciting league phase that has seen tight finishes, emerging stars, and high-quality competition throughout. With the victory, the Archers climbed to 8 points, edging past Chola Chiefs and Kakatiya Knights to complete the semi-final line-up. The semi-finalists for APL 2025 are now confirmed: Rajputana Royals, Mighty Marathas, Prithiviraaj Yodhas, and Chero Archers.
Archers Rise Under Pressure
Needing nothing less than an outright win to stay alive, the Archers went up against the formidable Royals who had dominated the league so far and produced one of their finest performances of the season. The contest was intense from the start, with both teams trading sets before the Archers edged ahead through consistent accuracy and calm under pressure. Their 5–3 victory not only showcased tactical discipline but also the ability to deliver in high-stakes moments. The Archers’ performance ensured that neither the Chola Chiefs nor the Kakatiya Knights could mathematically qualify, rendering the remaining matches of the round-robin stage inconsequential.
In the other matches of the final day, Chola Chiefs ended their campaign on a positive note, cruising to a 6–0 win over Prithiviraaj Yodhas. While the result didn’t alter the semi-final equation, it reflected the Chiefs’ quality and depth, even as they bowed out of contention. The Kakatiya Knights, on the other hand, endured another difficult outing, falling to their eighth defeat of the season with a 2–6 loss against the Mighty Marathas. Despite flashes of promise early in the tournament, the Knights struggled for consistency and will look to rebuild for the next edition.
Semi-Finals Line-up Set
The completion of the round-robin stage finalized the standings and the semi-final fixtures for Sunday:
- Semi-Final 1: Rajputana Royals (1st, 16 pts) vs Chero Archers (4th, 8 pts)
- Semi-Final 2: Mighty Marathas (2nd, 14 pts) vs Prithiviraaj Yodhas (3rd, 10 pts)
Both semi-finals, as well as the grand final, will be played on Sunday, promising an action-packed finale to what has been a landmark event for Indian archery. The Rajputana Royals, with eight wins from as many matches, finished as the undisputed leaders of the league stage, combining precision shooting and tactical excellence. Their consistency has made them early favourites for the title.
The Mighty Marathas, meanwhile, showcased strong all-round form with seven wins and a balanced squad that has handled pressure situations with maturity. The Prithiviraaj Yodhas, though inconsistent, have shown the ability to produce explosive performances setting up what promises to be a high-voltage semi-final against the Marathas.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Attends Closing Day
Adding prestige to the event, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, graced the closing day of the league stage. His presence underlined the government’s growing support for promoting Olympic and emerging sports, and for initiatives like the Archery Premier League that aim to create a professional ecosystem for Indian archers. The Minister also interacted with the participating athletes and lauded the APL’s role in bringing archery into the spotlight, offering archers a platform to showcase their talent in a competitive and team-based format.
As the inaugural edition of the APL heads into its final day, anticipation is high for the knockout clashes. The tournament has already delivered a glimpse of India’s growing depth in archery, blending seasoned internationals with promising young talents.
With four deserving teams set to battle it out for the championship, fans at the Yamuna Sports Complex can expect a dramatic finish one that could set the tone for the league’s future editions and mark a new era for Indian archery.
Final Standings (Round-Robin Stage):
- Rajputana Royals – 16 points (8 wins)
- Mighty Marathas – 14 points (7 wins)
- Prithiviraaj Yodhas – 10 points (5 wins)
- Chero Archers – 8 points (4 wins)
- Chola Chiefs – Eliminated
- Kakatiya Knights – Eliminated
The Archery Premier League semi-finals and final will be held on Sunday at the Yamuna Sports Complex, New Delhi.
