Archery League India 2025 launched by the Archery Association of India will feature six franchise teams in Delhi with support from World Archery and India’s Sports Ministry.
Archery Association of India Launches First‑Ever Archery League
Introduction
The Archery Association of India (AAI) has unveiled a pioneering Archery League, marking India’s first franchise-based professional archery tournament. Scheduled for October 2025 at Delhi’s Yamuna Sports Complex, the event aims to transform archery’s national and international appeal
What’s New: A Franchise‑Style Archery Tournament
This inaugural league brings together top recurve and compound archers from India and abroad. The six franchises will feature Indian archers alongside international stars — some ranked within the global top 10 — competing under one roof in an 11‑day spectacle
Significance for Indian Archers
Offered under high-intensity, stadium-style conditions — including night-time shooting under lights — the event aims to simulate the pressure of global competitions. For India’s emerging archers, it provides rich exposure and performance-building opportunities
Backing and Recognition
The league enjoys official support from World Archery, World Archery Asia, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Their endorsement reflects broader confidence in this platform to elevate the sport’s ecosystem within India and beyond
Leadership Speaks
AAI President Arjun Munda expressed his vision: to fulfill the dreams of aspiring archers across India and provide a professional platform for showcasing their talent. Similarly, AAI Secretary General Virendra Sachdeva emphasised its role as a stepping stone toward India’s Olympic ambitions
Global Archery Perspective
World Archery Secretary General Tom Dielen commented that this initiative will significantly boost competitive spirit, enabling Indian and international archers to grow through more intensive matches and higher visibility
Future Impact on the Sport
The league is poised to strengthen India’s archery infrastructure, create franchise opportunities, drive audience engagement, and provide a professional framework similar to leagues in cricket, kabaddi, and hockey. It represents a dynamic shift in how archery is perceived and experienced in India.
Why This News Is Important
Professional Growth & Athlete Development
The Archery League introduces a professional competitive environment previously unavailable in Indian archery. Exposure to international talent and franchise-based competition will help young archers develop technique, composure, and consistency under pressure — essential traits for national and Olympic-level contests.
Strategic Boost for Olympic Aspirations
This initiative aligns with India’s goal of consistently medalling in international archery events, including the Olympics. By providing high-level practice and visibility, it supports long-term athlete preparation and world-stage readiness.
Ecosystem Strengthening
By involving franchises, sponsorship, and media engagement, the league helps build a sustainable archery ecosystem— involving private investment, commercial growth, and public interest, which in turn promotes grassroots participation and better governance.
Global Recognition for Indian Archery
International archers participating in India’s first league signals global recognition. It places India on the map as a host for top-tier archery events, potentially attracting future international tournaments and enhancing India’s reputation.
Historical Context
- The Archery Association of India (AAI) was founded on August 8, 1973, shortly after archery rejoined the Olympic programme in 1972. It governs and promotes archery nationwide and is affiliated with World Archery Federation, World Archery Asia, and the Indian Olympic Association
- Until now, archery in India has largely revolved around national championships and India’s participation in events like the Archery World Cup. The sport lacked a domestic franchise-based league akin to formats in cricket or kabaddi.
- The country recently saw success in the Archery World Cup, with archers like Madhura Dhamangaonkar, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Dheeraj Bommadevara, and Rishabh Yadav winning medals in 2025 events — demonstrating readiness for more competitive formats
- This league represents a significant leap, moving from traditional tournament structures to a professional, spectator‑friendly league, aligning with broader trends in Indian sport monetisation and athlete development.
Key Takeaways from “Archery League Launch”
| No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | AAI has launched India’s first-ever franchise-based Archery League scheduled for October 2025 in Delhi. |
| 2 | The league features six franchises, combining top Indian and international recurve and compound archers. |
| 3 | It is supported by World Archery, World Archery Asia, and India’s Sports Ministry, enhancing legitimacy and reach. |
| 4 | The event aims to create a professional competitive ecosystem, including night shooting under lights. |
| 5 | Designed to prepare archers for international pressure and bolster India’s Olympic and global archery ambitions. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Archery League 2025?
The Archery League 2025 is India’s first-ever franchise-based professional archery tournament, organized by the Archery Association of India (AAI), featuring top Indian and international archers.
2. When and where will the Archery League 2025 be held?
The league will be held in October 2025 at the Yamuna Sports Complex, New Delhi.
3. How many teams are participating in the Archery League?
There will be six franchise teams competing in the league, representing various regions and bringing together top talent in recurve and compound categories.
4. Who supports the Archery League 2025?
The league is officially supported by World Archery, World Archery Asia, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
5. Why is the Archery League significant for Indian sports?
It provides Indian archers with professional-level exposure, enhances India’s global competitiveness, and is expected to boost grassroots interest and sponsorship in archery.
6. Who are the key figures involved in organizing the league?
The league is led by Arjun Munda (AAI President) and Virendra Sachdeva (AAI Secretary General), along with support from World Archery’s Secretary General Tom Dielen.
7. What are the benefits for Indian archers from this league?
Indian archers will gain match experience under pressure, get to play in front of large crowds, and train alongside international champions, improving Olympic readiness.
8. What shooting conditions will be introduced for the first time?
The league will include night shooting under stadium lights, a unique setting aimed at simulating global competition stress and ambiance.
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