The Archery Premier League (APL) 2025 continued to captivate fans on Day 3 with three thrilling encounters at the DDA Yamuna Sports Complex in New Delhi.
From last-arrow shoot-offs to dominant displays, the day offered everything precision, composure, and drama as Prithviraj Yodhas, Rajputana Royals, and Mighty Marathas all emerged victorious in contrasting fashion.
Yodhas Edge Knights in First Shoot-Off Thriller
The day began with a high-octane clash between Kakatiya Knights and Prithviraj Yodhas, a match that went down to the wire before the Yodhas sealed their first win of the tournament in a tense shoot-off.
The Yodhas started strongly, showing calmness under pressure and clinical execution. Led by Abhishek Verma, who combined experience with precision, they took the opening set 73–72. Verma’s steady rhythm and leadership were evident throughout as he rallied his team early on.
However, the Knights featuring seasoned campaigners Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Jignas struck back immediately. Jyothi’s back-to-back 10s under pressure turned the tide in the second set, which Kakatiya won 75–64 to level the score at 2–2.
Building on that momentum, the Knights edged the third set 73–71, with their consistency and accuracy pushing them ahead 4–2 overall.
But the Yodhas refused to fade. In the fourth set, Verma and Andrea opened with consecutive 10s, reclaiming control. Their focused teamwork and steady execution helped the Yodhas win 75–70, tying the score 4–4 and forcing the first shoot-off of the APL season.
In the tie-breaker, Verma led from the front yet again. His confident 10 set the tone, while Nico Wiener missed his opening attempt for the Knights. With both teams failing to hit the mark on the next arrows, the Yodhas held their slender advantage and clinched the match in dramatic fashion.
It was a morale-boosting result for Verma’s side, who had come close in earlier games but couldn’t convert. His leadership and composure under pressure stood out, marking him as one of the standout performers of the tournament so far.
Rajputana Royals Dominate Against Chola Chiefs
The second match of the day saw a clinical display from the Rajputana Royals, who outclassed the Chola Chiefs with a clean-sweep 6–0 victory. From start to finish, the Royals looked composed and in complete command, making light work of their opponents.
The opening set began with both teams trading perfect 10s, but it was the Royals who took early control, with Prathmesh firing a flawless 10 to edge ahead. The Royals maintained their focus and accuracy to close the first set 78–71, taking a 2–0 lead.
In the second set, Chola’s Rishabh Yadav continued his fine form, hitting multiple 10s to keep his team competitive. Yet, the Royals, driven by their consistency, edged the set 77–75 to go 4–0 up. Their ability to handle high-pressure moments and convert half-chances into points made the difference.
The third set mirrored the previous ones high-quality archery, minimal errors, and near-perfect coordination from Rajputana. Though both teams traded perfect 10s early, the Royals’ composure under pressure saw them finish stronger, taking the set 74–71 and sealing the match 6–0.
It was a statement win for Rajputana, showcasing their balance of experience and youthful energy. Their controlled aggression and consistency have quickly made them one of the top contenders in this year’s league.
Mighty Marathas Edge Chero Archers in a Tight Contest
The final match of the day between Chero Archers and Mighty Marathas was a fitting end to an action-packed Saturday, featuring relentless exchanges and breathtaking accuracy. Both teams came out firing, pushing each other to the limit before the Marathas clinched a narrow 5–3 victory.
The opening set saw both sides start evenly, but the Marathas, led by the ever-dependable Mike Schloesser, showed greater composure in the final shots to take it 74–70.
The Chero Archers, however, came roaring back in the second set. With Atanu Das and Abhishek Verma (guest appearance format) showing their class, the Archers held their nerve in crunch moments to edge out a thrilling 77–76 win, levelling the match at 2–2.
The third set turned into a display of pure skill from both teams. Schloesser opened with another perfect 10, quickly matched by Atanu, as the teams traded arrow for arrow. Neither side blinked, and the set ended in a 75–75 tie, pushing the overall scoreline to 3–3.
With everything to play for in the final set, the Marathas once again found inspiration from Schloesser, who continued to hit 10s under pressure. The Archers matched them for most of the set, with Atanu finding the bull’s-eye to keep the contest alive. But the Marathas’ consistency in the final stretch proved decisive as they edged the set 77–76, sealing the match 5–3.
It was a performance that underlined why the Mighty Marathas remain one of the most balanced teams in the APL disciplined, sharp, and unfazed by pressure.
Day 3 of the Archery Premier League 2025 will be remembered for its contrasts the nerve-wracking shoot-off that gave the Yodhas their first win, the Royals’ ruthless 6–0 sweep, and the Marathas’ cool-headed finish.
The quality of competition continues to rise, with India’s top archers delivering performances worthy of international stages.
As the league progresses, the table remains wide open, and every arrow could prove decisive. If Saturday’s matches were any indication, fans can expect many more nights of high drama, split-second precision, and world-class archery in the days ahead.
