New Delhi : The Archery Association of India (AAI) today announced the launch of the first-ever Archery League a professional, franchise-based tournament set to debut in October at the Yamuna Sports Complex, New Delhi.
This pioneering 11-day league will feature six franchise teams comprising top Indian and international archers, including athletes ranked in the world’s top 10. With recurve and compound archers competing side by side under lights shooting 70m and 50m respectively the league promises a thrilling and unprecedented team format in world archery.
Designed to fast-track India’s Olympic ambitions, the league offers homegrown archers invaluable exposure to high-pressure, global competition while also boosting the sport’s popularity and commercial viability.
AAI President Arjun Munda said, “This league is a dream come true for thousands of young archers across India, especially from rural heartlands. It offers them the stage they’ve long deserved.”
AAI Secretary General Virendra Sachdeva added, “Inspired by the transformative power of leagues in other sports, this initiative aims to professionalize Indian archery and prepare our athletes for the Olympic stage.”
Secretary General of World Archery, Tom Dielen, welcomed the initiative, stating, “It will strengthen global competitiveness and inspire excellence among archers from India and abroad.”
The Archery League has received support from World Archery, World Archery Asia, and India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, marking a bold new era for the sport in India.
