After rain played spoilsport on Tuesday, the Archery Premier League (APL) returned with a full day of double-header action on Wednesday at the Yamuna Sports Complex in the capital.
By the end of a packed day featuring six matches, the spotlight belonged once again to the Rajputana Royals, who stretched their winning streak to a phenomenal seven consecutive victories, becoming the first team to seal a semifinal berth. At the other end of the table, it was heartbreak for the Kakatiya Knights, who slumped to their sixth defeat in seven outings, all but ending their playoff hopes.
Afternoon Session: Royals dominate, Knights stumble again
The afternoon session began with Chero Archers setting the tone for the day, producing a sharp performance to beat the Mighty Marathas 5–1. The Archers’ consistency across the sets helped them notch their second win of the season, keeping slim semifinal hopes alive.
The second encounter saw the all-conquering Rajputana Royals face off against Chola Chiefs in what was expected to be a close battle. However, with Ojas Deotale returning to lead the charge, the Royals were ruthless once again, posting a 6–2 win in four sets to make it six straight victories in the league. Their form and balance across both the recurve and compound categories have made them the team to beat this season.
The session ended with Kakatiya Knights enduring yet another tough outing. Despite flashes of promise early on, they fell to Prithviraj Yodhas 1–5. The Knights’ struggles in closing out sets and inconsistent shooting under pressure have been their biggest undoing throughout the campaign.
Evening Session: Royals seal semifinal spot, Marathas edge Yodhas in thriller
The evening session began under ideal conditions, with the skies clear and the stands filling up to watch the Royals chase history. The crowd was not disappointed Rajputana Royals once again delivered a commanding display, defeating Kakatiya Knights 5–1 to maintain their perfect record and officially confirm a place in the semifinals.
While Ojas Deotale continued his fine form, the team’s overall cohesion across formats stood out. Their 7–0 record, coupled with a remarkable set win-loss difference of +29, underscores just how dominant they have been this season. For the Knights, however, it was a result that virtually sealed their exit from the playoff race. With only one win in seven matches, their mathematical chances of finishing in the top four are now nearly impossible.
The second match of the evening saw Chola Chiefs bounce back strongly. With seasoned stars Brady Ellison and Deepika Kumari stepping up when it mattered most, the Chiefs beat the Chero Archers 6–2. Their ability to handle pressure and produce consistent ends late in the match was the difference, ensuring they stayed in contention for a semifinal spot. The final clash of the day turned out to be the most entertaining. The Mighty Marathas and Prithviraj Yodhas were locked in a 3–3 battle heading into the decisive fourth set. In a tense finish, the Marathas held their nerve to win the final set and seal a 5–3 victory, taking their tally to five wins in seven matches.
Standings after Wednesday’s double-header
The Rajputana Royals continue to sit comfortably on top of the standings with 14 points from seven matches the only unbeaten team in the league. Their dominance has not only guaranteed a semifinal spot but also established them as clear favorites for the title. The Mighty Marathas, buoyed by their win over the Yodhas, are placed second with 10 points and are just one step away from confirming their place in the top four.
The Chola Chiefs and Prithviraj Yodhas are tied on six points each from three wins, but the Chiefs hold third place due to a superior set difference (-2 compared to the Yodhas’ -10). The Chero Archers, despite showing glimpses of quality, remain fifth with two wins, while the Kakatiya Knights continue to languish at the bottom.
APL 2025 Points Table (after October 8 matches):
Position Team Matches Wins Losses Points Set Difference
1 Rajputana Royals 7 7 0 14 +29
2 Mighty Marathas 7 5 2 10 +12
3 Chola Chiefs 7 3 4 6 -2
4 Prithviraj Yodhas 7 3 4 6 -10
5 Chero Archers 7 2 5 4 -15
6 Kakatiya Knights 7 1 6 2 -20
With the league stage nearing its end, the Rajputana Royals have already turned their focus to fine-tuning strategies for the semifinals. Their consistency, particularly in mixed events, has been the cornerstone of their success. Meanwhile, the Mighty Marathas look set to join them in the last four, while the remaining two semifinal berths are likely to be decided between the Chola Chiefs, Prithviraj Yodhas, and the Chero Archers.
For the Kakatiya Knights, however, it’s a season to forget one marked by narrow losses, missed chances, and a lack of momentum.
As the Archery Premier League enters its final league phase, the stage is now set for an intense battle for the remaining semifinal spots but for now, it’s the ‘seven-star’ Rajputana Royals who continue to stand tall as the undisputed team of the tournament.
