Mighty Marathas Clinch Archery Premier League Season 2 Title With Stunning Comeback

Hyderabad, October 18: Mighty Marathas were crowned champions of Archery Premier League (APL) Season 2 after producing a remarkable turnaround to defeat local favourites Kakatiya Knights 6-2 in the grand final at People's Plaza on Sunday.

Recurve star Dhiraj Bommadevara delivered a sensational performance, sealing the title with an arrow into the inner X-ring as the Marathas avenged their earlier defeats against the Knights. Dhiraj scored an impressive 79 out of 80 in the final, while Dutch compound archery sensation Mike Schloesser lived up to his nickname, 'Mr. Perfect', by achieving a flawless 80.

The Knights entered the title clash as favourites after beating the Marathas in Saturday's final league encounter and again in the first qualifier. However, the Marathas displayed remarkable resilience, defeating Prithviraaj Yodhas 5-3 in the second eliminator to secure another shot at the championship.

"Believing in each other, keeping patience, and attack-attack-attack," Dhiraj said when asked about the team's turnaround. He added that the squad made no changes to its approach after losing the first qualifier, highlighting the unity and composure that defined their campaign.

The Indian archer was subsequently named male recurve archer of the day and the tournament.

Strategic substitutions also proved decisive for the champions. Schloesser replaced Aman Saini before the second eliminator, scoring 79 before producing his perfect 80 in the final. Simranjeet Kaur also stepped in for experienced international archer Alejandra Valencia during the second match and delivered under pressure.

The final began with both teams sharing the opening set at 75-75. The Marathas then maintained their advantage through another closely contested set, with Dhiraj striking two inner 10s. Although the Knights remained competitive, pressure mounted in the final set as all four archers, Nico Wiener, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Elia Canales and Neeraj Chauhan, opened with 9s.

The Marathas capitalised, shooting a formidable 79 to seal the championship in style.

Earlier, the Knights had edged the Marathas 2-0 in a Hit-or-Miss shoot-off during the first qualifier's Shortcut Decider, with Wiener and Canales striking the inner golden ring.

The victory capped a memorable campaign for the Marathas in the world's first franchise-based archery league, initiated by the Archery Association of India. Season 2 featured six teams and 48 archers, including 36 Indians and 12 international stars.

BEST ARCHERS OF THE DAY

• Recurve male: Dhiraj Bommadevara (Marathas)
• Recurve female: Elia Canales (Knights)
• Compound male: Mike Schloesser (Marathas)
• Compound female: Prithika Pradeep (Chero)

BEST ARCHERS OF THE TOURNAMENT

• Recurve male: Dhiraj Bommadevara (Marathas)
• Recurve female: Sangeeta (Rajputana Royals)
• Compound male: Mathias Fullerton (Chero)
• Compound female: Alejandra Usquiano (Chiefs)

SCORES: DAY 11 (October 18)

• FINAL: Mighty Marathas 6-2 (75-75, 77-76, 75-75, 79-73) Kakatiya Knights
• SHORTCUT DECIDER: Kakatiya Knights 4-4 (75-73, 75-76, 76-77, 77-76) Mighty Marathas; Knights won shootoff 2-0
• ELIMINATOR 2: Mighty Marathas 5-3 (74-78, 76-76, 77-72, 78-76) Prithviraaj Yodhas