The Archery Premier League 2026 season opened in dramatic fashion in Hyderabad on Thursday night, with the Kakatiya Knights staging a remarkable comeback to defeat the Mighty Marathas in a shoot-off on the opening night of the competition.
The Knights recovered from a 4-0 deficit to level the match at 4-4 before winning the decisive shoot-out 2-0, completing a turnaround after the Marathas had taken the opening two sets. Nico Wiener and Neeraj Chauhan struck the inner X-ring for the Knights in the shoot-off, sealing a victory that looked impossible midway through the contest.
Royals and Archers start with wins
Defending champions Rajputana Royals began their title defence with a 5-3 win over Prithviraaj Yodhas in a repeat of the previous season's final, showing they intend to stay ahead of the chasing pack. Chero Archers also opened their campaign with a 5-3 victory against the Chola Chiefs.
The three matches were played at People's Plaza on Necklace Road in Hyderabad, with the Royals and Archers securing their victories in regulation time before the Knights produced the comeback of the evening against the Marathas.
The league, which features a demanding 15-second shot clock, is into its second season and has positioned itself as a showcase for compound and recurve archery in a franchise format — a new battleground for the sport in India following the country's strong performances on the international stage.
Sources: Business Standard, APL 2026: Kakatiya Knights stun Mighty Marathas in thrilling season opener
The Knights recovered from a 4-0 deficit to level the match at 4-4 before winning the decisive shoot-out 2-0, completing a turnaround after the Marathas had taken the opening two sets. Nico Wiener and Neeraj Chauhan struck the inner X-ring for the Knights in the shoot-off, sealing a victory that looked impossible midway through the contest.
Royals and Archers start with wins
Defending champions Rajputana Royals began their title defence with a 5-3 win over Prithviraaj Yodhas in a repeat of the previous season's final, showing they intend to stay ahead of the chasing pack. Chero Archers also opened their campaign with a 5-3 victory against the Chola Chiefs.
The three matches were played at People's Plaza on Necklace Road in Hyderabad, with the Royals and Archers securing their victories in regulation time before the Knights produced the comeback of the evening against the Marathas.
The league, which features a demanding 15-second shot clock, is into its second season and has positioned itself as a showcase for compound and recurve archery in a franchise format — a new battleground for the sport in India following the country's strong performances on the international stage.
Sources: Business Standard, APL 2026: Kakatiya Knights stun Mighty Marathas in thrilling season opener
