Recurve archer Deepika, potentially making her fifth and final Olympic appearance in 2028, mentioned that the APL is the type of competition she requires to sharpen her skills for her \u201cultimate target.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFor me, LA 2028 is the ultimate target. I have always dreamt of standing on the Olympic podium, and I believe the Archery Premier League can power my journey towards that dream. The league will replicate the kind of pressure and intensity we face at the Olympics\u2014playing in front of packed audiences, every arrow carrying importance and competing against the world\u2019s best. Learning to thrive in that environment will make me stronger for Los Angeles,\u201d Deepika said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Deepika, considered the icon of Indian archery, has led the sport for over ten years. From Jamshedpur to the global arena, she has achieved the No. 1 world ranking multiple times, earned numerous World Cup medals, and received prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri and the Arjuna Award. Her inspiring journey has motivated many young athletes to pursue archery, positioning her as a top medal contender for India in the upcoming Olympics.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Deepika mentioned that competing with international stars, such as American legend and multiple-time Olympic medallist Brady Ellison, will offer invaluable learning experiences.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen the Indian and international archers share the same team, we exchange training methods, strategies and mindsets. That is how standards rise. I am excited to see how we push each other, which will help in lifting the level of Indian archery,\u201d she added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Deepika highlighted that, apart from her personal goals, the APL will transform opportunities for grassroots talent.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cArchery is an expensive sport. Many children in villages with great talent cannot afford equipment or academies. With big companies investing in the league and with CSR funds reaching the right places, we can break that barrier. This league will not only give youngsters visibility but also real opportunities to pursue archery as a career,\u201d said Deepika.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She also underlined the importance of creating visibility for the sport in India. \u201cArchery has such a rich history in our culture, but very few people truly understand it. Through television, advertising and social media, the league can capture attention and make archery a sport that inspires the next generation. The more people know about us, the more children will dream of becoming archers,\u201d she remarked.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The APL, scheduled for launch on October 2nd, will showcase top Indian and international archers competing in a franchise format that integrates recurve and compound events. Aimed at bringing fans closer to the action, the league features innovative rules and a quick-paced structure, enhancing the sport's appeal for spectators in stadiums and even those watching from home.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She also underlined the importance of creating visibility for the sport in India. \u201cArchery has such a rich history in our culture, but very few people truly understand it. Through television, advertising and social media, the league can capture attention and make archery a sport that inspires the next generation. The more people know about us, the more children will dream of becoming archers,\u201d she remarked.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Archery Premier League is scheduled to take place during evening primetime from 2nd October 2 to 12 at the Yamuna Sports Complex in New Delhi.<\/p>\r\n\r\n