India’s top archer and former world No.1, Deepika Kumari, has hailed the upcoming Archery Premier League (APL) as a historic step for Indian archery. She emphasised that the professional, franchise-based league will give her the chance to compete alongside global stars, a crucial factor in her pursuit of an Olympic medal at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
The recurve specialist, potentially making her fifth and final Olympic appearance in 2028, said the APL provides the competitive environment she needs to fine-tune her skills. “For me, LA 2028 is the ultimate target. Competing in the APL will replicate the intensity of the Olympics performing in front of packed crowds, every arrow carrying weight, and facing the world’s best. Thriving in that atmosphere will make me stronger for Los Angeles,” Deepika stated.
Over the past decade, Deepika has been the face of Indian archery, earning multiple World Cup medals, achieving the world No.1 ranking several times, and receiving prestigious honours including the Padma Shri and the Arjuna Award. Her journey has inspired countless young athletes and positioned her as a top medal contender for India.
Deepika highlighted the value of competing alongside international stars like American Olympian Brady Ellison. “Sharing a team with international archers allows us to exchange training techniques, strategies, and mindsets. This raises the standard of Indian archery,” she said.
She also stressed the league’s potential to create opportunities for grassroots talent. “Archery is an expensive sport. Many gifted children in villages cannot afford equipment or training. With corporate investment and CSR funds channelled through the APL, we can break this barrier and give youngsters real opportunities to pursue archery as a career,” Deepika explained.
Visibility for the sport in India is another key benefit of the league. “Archery has a rich cultural history, but few understand it. Television, social media, and advertising can inspire the next generation. The more people see archery, the more children will dream of becoming archers,” she said.
The APL, set to begin on October 2 at the Yamuna Sports Complex in New Delhi, will feature top Indian and international archers competing in a franchise-based format, including recurve and compound events. The fast-paced structure is designed to enhance spectator engagement both in stadiums and for audiences watching from home.
For Deepika, the league represents more than competition—it’s a bridge to her Olympic ambitions. “The APL provides the atmosphere, challenges, and motivation we need to reach the Olympics. It’s a crucial step toward LA 2028,” she concluded.