Archery Association of India announces first edition of Archery League

In a historic step towards revolutionizing the sport of archery in India, the Archery Association of India (AAI) on Monday officially announced the launch of the first-ever Archery League, set to take place in October 2025 at the Yamuna Sports Complex in Delhi. The inaugural edition will span 11 days, introducing a franchise-based format similar to the successful models seen in other Indian sports like cricket, kabaddi, and badminton.

The tournament promises to be a game-changer, not just for Indian archery, but for the sport globally. It has garnered support from World Archery, World Archery Asia, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, signaling its credibility and potential from the outset.

In-a-historic-step-towards-revolutionizing-the-sport-of-archery-in-India-the-Archery-Association-of-India -officially-announced-the-launch-of-the-first-ever-Archery-League

A First for Indian Archery

India has long had a rich tradition of archery, both in its historical epics and grassroots sporting communities, particularly in tribal and rural areas. However, despite consistent international success in individual and team events, the sport has often remained on the fringes of mainstream popularity.

That’s exactly what the Archery League intends to change.

With six franchise teams representing different regions of India, the league will feature elite recurve and compound archers, both men and women, drawn from the world’s top 10 rankings, alongside India’s finest talent. The inclusion of foreign athletes is expected to bring international viewership and exposure, creating a melting pot of competition, camaraderie, and growth.

India-has-long-had-a-rich-tradition-of-archery-both-in-its-historical-epics-and-grassroots-sporting-communities-particularly-in-tribal-and-rural-areas.

Voices from the Top: Vision and Mission

Arjun Munda, president of the AAI and a long-time supporter of sports development, expressed optimism and ambition during the official announcement.

Munda emphasized that the league is not just about competition but about building a sustainable archery ecosystem—from grassroots talent nurturing to high-performance exposure.

Tom Dielen, Secretary General of World Archery, echoed these sentiments, calling the initiative a landmark moment for the sport:”

League Format and Structure

While the complete format and official team names are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks, sources close to the organizers have confirmed the following structure:

• Six franchise teams owned by corporate entities and sports enthusiasts.

• Each team will consist of a mix of recurve and compound archers (men and women).

• International and domestic players will be distributed through a player draft.

• Points-based league format followed by knockouts/semi-finals and a grand finale.

• Mixed-team events and skill-based challenges may be introduced to increase entertainment value and viewer engagement.

The Yamuna Sports Complex in Delhi, already a hub for several national sporting events, will undergo infrastructure upgrades to host the league, with state-of-the-art archery lanes, broadcast facilities, and spectator stands.

Why the League Matters: A Sporting and Cultural Shift

The launch of the Archery League is more than just another tournament. It is a conscious effort to bring archery into the mainstream sporting consciousness of India. Just as the Indian Premier League (IPL) transformed cricket and the Pro Kabaddi League brought rural athletes into the limelight, this league aspires to do the same for archery.

It-is-a-conscious-effort-to-bring-archery-into-the-mainstream-sporting-consciousness-of-India

Key Objectives Behind the League:

1. Increase Public Interest: Make archery more accessible and entertaining for spectators through a fast-paced, team-based format.

2. Attract Sponsors & Media: Provide a commercial ecosystem for archers, franchises, and brands to thrive.

3. Develop Future Talent: Inspire young athletes, especially in tribal belts and tier-2/3 cities, to take up archery seriously.

4. International Exposure: Give Indian archers regular, high-level competition against global talents.

Spotlight on India’s Archery Strengths

India has emerged as a powerhouse in archery in recent years. Athletes like Deepika Kumari, Atanu Das, Abhishek Verma, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, and Dhiraj Bommadevara have brought laurels at the World Cups, Asian Games, and World Championships. However, most of their achievements have flown under the radar due to the sport’s low profile.

This league offers a platform for these stars to shine brighter and to serve as role models for the next generation. It’s also an opportunity for lesser-known athletes from state and national academies to gain visibility, financial support, and experience.

India-has-emerged-as-a-powerhouse-in-archery-in-recent-years

A Win for Stakeholders

• For Archers: The league provides financial incentives, consistent competition, and broader exposure, all crucial for a sport that often struggles with funding and infrastructure.

• For Sponsors and Broadcasters: The league opens a new market segment with unique storytelling opportunities—from tribal roots to Olympic dreams.

• For Fans: A rare chance to follow and support their favorite archers and teams, complete with live matches, fantasy leagues, and social media engagement.

What Comes Next?

Over the next few weeks, the Archery Association of India will unveil:

• Franchise owners and team identities

• Complete schedule and ticketing details

• Draft mechanism and list of participating archers

• Broadcasting partners and streaming platforms

• Youth engagement programs and fan zones

With backing from World Archery and the Sports Ministry, the league also intends to launch grassroots engagement programs, including school-level archery demonstrations, online coaching modules, and state-wide talent hunts during and after the tournament.

With-backing-from-World-Archery-and-the-Sports-Ministry-the-league-also-intends-to-launch-grassroots-engagement-programs

Conclusion: Aiming for a New Era

The Archery League’s arrival marks a watershed moment for Indian archery. In combining tradition with innovation, and performance with entertainment, the league holds the potential to transform how the sport is perceived, supported, and pursued in India.

As the arrows take flight this October at the Yamuna Sports Complex, fans will witness not just the precision and power of world-class archers, but also the beginning of a journey that could redefine the future of Indian sports.

Click here to watch more!