The APL is the first franchise-based professional archery competition in India, introducing a fast-paced format that combines Indian and international talent across recurve and compound disciplines. With six franchises, a player draft, and spectator-friendly innovations, the league is designed to elevate the sport both in competition and in visibility.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think this league has the potential of making our sport more professional, putting more money into it, and making people care and look at archery more. I hope it increases popularity not only in India but around the world, and helps us make new waves to move forward,\" said Gibson.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Gibson, the format is a refreshing change. \u201cHaving such a different format \u2013 shooting under floodlights and alongside archers from different countries and bow styles \u2013 is something really unique. I look forward to adapting to the environment and learning from my teammates.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Her conviction comes from a career built on resilience and steady growth. Gibson first discovered archery at 14, when coaches visited her school for a taster session. \u201cI joined the club just as I turned 15 and started shooting every chance I could get. I loved the peace of it and the focus it required,\u201d she recalled. The early days also brought challenges: \u201cThe biggest challenge was my own high expectations. Some coaches warned me I\u2019d hurt myself with too much training, but I trusted my strength and ability \u2013 and luckily, I was right.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Now one of the sport\u2019s brightest stars, Gibson credits her coach Jon Nott for his steady guidance and takes inspiration from Dutch great Mike Schloesser for his composure under pressure. But above all, she points to archery itself as both her \u201cgreatest love and greatest stress,\u201d a sport that has taught her resilience and the importance of self-belief.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Looking ahead to her APL debut in India, she emphasises the league\u2019s broader impact, \u201cThis format could make archery more exciting for viewers, give more publicity to the sport, and improve compensation for athletes. That would allow us to focus on fewer, higher-quality tournaments and improve livelihoods across the board.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Now one of the sport\u2019s brightest stars, Gibson credits her coach Jon Nott for his steady guidance and takes inspiration from Dutch great Mike Schloesser for his composure under pressure. But above all, she points to archery itself as both her \u201cgreatest love and greatest stress,\u201d a sport that has taught her resilience and the importance of self-belief.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Beyond medals and accolades, Gibson hopes the APL will serve as a catalyst for the sport\u2019s next chapter. \u201cThis league isn\u2019t just for us competing today \u2013 it\u2019s about shaping the future of archery. Anything that gets our sport in front of more people can inspire the next generation to pick up a bow.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n