The Archery Premier League (APL) capped a transformative debut year by winning the prestigious ‘Emerging Professional Sports Event of the Year’ at the India Sports Awards 2025.
The honour was presented during FICCI TURF 2025: 15th Global Sports Summit, held at the FICCI Federation House in New Delhi, and stands as a major endorsement of the league’s ambitious vision for Indian archery. The award recognises the APL’s breakthrough impact in its very first season an impact built on innovation, scale, and a bold attempt to reimagine archery as a fast, dynamic sport for modern audiences. Organised by the Archery Association of India (AAI), the league has become the world’s first professional archery league, setting a new global benchmark for the sport.
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APL’s inaugural season was staged at the Yamuna Sports Complex, New Delhi, from October 2 to 12, 2025, bringing together top-tier archers from India and abroad. The competition featured both men and women across recurve and compound categories, creating a gender-balanced, professionally structured league one of the first of its kind in Olympic sport formats.
The franchise-based model introduced team identities, fan-driven narratives, and a broadcast-centric presentation that made archery more accessible and engaging for wider audiences. This fresh, television-friendly approach earned strong praise from industry experts, broadcasters, and fans alike. For a sport traditionally associated with quiet intensity, the league’s fast-paced, made-for-TV structure helped transform it into a vibrant spectator product.
Star Power and Widespread Engagement
One of the biggest catalysts for APL’s immediate popularity was the involvement of global icon Ram Charan, who joined as the league’s brand ambassador. His presence brought massive visibility, drawing new audiences particularly younger fans into the world of archery. Throughout the season, Charan’s engagement on digital platforms and at promotional events significantly boosted the league’s reach and cultural footprint.
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Marquee franchises, compelling visuals, and close-fought matches further elevated APL’s entertainment value. The debut season witnessed strong public turnout, rising social-media traction, and extensive media coverage, reflecting a growing nationwide appetite for Olympic sports presented in a modern league format.
APL’s rapid ascent has also been rooted in strong institutional support. The league has been backed by World Archery, World Archery Asia, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, all of whom have recognised APL’s potential to shape the future of the sport. Their involvement not only validates the league’s format but also reinforces India’s position as a key player in the global archery landscape.
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The organisers have emphasised long-term athlete development, ecosystem building, and commercial sustainability key elements that differentiate APL from one-off competitions. The league’s emphasis on high-quality production, athlete welfare, and franchise professionalism has raised the standards for what professional archery can look like.
Shaping the Future of Indian Archery
The India Sports Awards recognition underscores the APL’s promise: a platform that is not just a tournament but a movement aimed at elevating archery’s competitive, commercial, and cultural dimensions in India. With its debut season earning widespread acclaim and industry validation, the league is poised to play a defining role in the sport’s future creating pathways for young talent, expanding fan communities, and driving archery deeper into India’s sporting mainstream.
As the APL prepares for future seasons, the award stands as both recognition and responsibility marking the beginning of what could become one of the most influential sports leagues in India’s Olympic ecosystem.
