Chero Archers return for APL Season 2 with star-studded squad
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Jamshedpur, September 30, 2026: Chero Archers, the Jharkhand-based franchise owned by Tata Steel, will return for the second…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Jamshedpur, September 30, 2026: Chero Archers, the Jharkhand-based franchise owned by Tata Steel, will return for the second season of the Archery Premier League (APL) with a refreshed eight-member squad featuring leading Indian and international archers.
The second season of the league will be held at People’s Plaza, Necklace Road, Hyderabad, from October 8 to 18. Chero Archers, who reached the semi-finals and finished fourth in the inaugural season in 2025, will look to go a step further this time.
World No. 1 Fullerton leads squad
The eight-member squad comprises four recurve and four compound archers, with equal representation of men and women.
World No. 1 compound archer Mathias Fullerton of Denmark returns to the franchise. He will be joined in the compound category by Indian archers Sahil Rajesh Jadhav, Prithika Pradeep and Jasveer Kaur.
The recurve contingent comprises Yashdeep Bhoge, Atanu Das, US star Casey Kaufhold and Kumkum Anil Mohod.
Fullerton is ranked No. 1 by World Archery, while Kaufhold is ranked No. 3 in the world in recurve. The Indian members of the squad are among the leading archers in their respective categories.
Six teams to compete in double round-robin format
The six-team APL will feature 48 Indian and international archers competing in recurve and compound disciplines.
The league will follow a double round-robin format, with the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals. The final is scheduled for October 18.
Matches will be played under lights and will feature the league’s distinctive 15-second shot clock, adding an additional element of pressure and pace to the competition.
Chero Archers eye stronger campaign
Chero Archers made a strong impression in the inaugural season. Fullerton was named Compound Archer of the Day five times, while recurve archer Katharina Bauer received the Recurve Archer of the Day honour on three occasions.
The team was defeated by eventual champions Rajputana Royals in the semi-final before finishing fourth.
The Tata Archery Academy connection will also continue in Season 2. Ankita Bhakat will return to the Rajputana Royals, while Yuktha Sri Kondapavuluri will represent Chola Chiefs.
Several Tata Archery Academy athletes had featured prominently for the top four teams during the inaugural season.
Purnima Mahto to continue as recurve coach
Padma Shri awardee and three-time Indian Olympic Archery Team coach Purnima Mahto will continue as Chero Archers’ Recurve Coach, while Vivek will remain in charge of the compound team.
Mahato has also been named the franchise’s brand ambassador for Season 2.
Chero Archers’ league schedule
Chero Archers will open their campaign against Chola Chiefs on October 8. The team will subsequently face:
- Rajputana Royals: October 9 and 13
- Prithviraaj Yodhas: October 10 and 14
- Kakatiya Knights: October 11 and 15
- Mighty Marathas: October 12 and 16
- Chola Chiefs: October 17
The matches will be broadcast on Sony LIV.
