Kumkum Mohod Returns as Asian Games Gold Medallist, Chero Archers Lose APL Thriller

Kumkum Mohod Returns After Asian Games Gold as Chero Archers Suffer First APL Season 2 Defeat

Kumkum Mohod returned to competitive action following her Asian Games gold-medal triumph, but Chero Archers saw their unbeaten run in the second season of the Archery Premier League (APL) come to an end after a thrilling shoot-off against Prithviraaj Yodhas on Saturday.

The Yodhas emerged victorious in a closely fought encounter at Hyderabad’s People’s Plaza, winning 4-4 (1-0) after several rounds of sudden death. Mexican recurve archer Matias Grande emerged as the match-winner with a decisive shot that secured the result for his team.

Chero Archers mounted a strong comeback by winning the fourth set to level the contest. However, neither team could gain an advantage in the initial tie-breaker, as all eight archers failed to hit the inner yellow ring in the league’s hit-or-miss shoot-off format.

The match subsequently entered sudden death, with archers from both teams taking turns to hit the target. Grande finally struck the inner ring in the third round, while Prithika Pradeep failed to replicate his effort, giving the Yodhas a dramatic victory.

Mohod, who was competing for the first time since winning gold at the Asian Games, delivered several impressive shots. However, her return could not prevent Chero Archers from suffering their first defeat of the season in a contest decided by the final arrow.

Grande described the victory as a special moment for his team, while acknowledging the fine margins involved in the shoot-off. He also emphasised that the result reflected a collective team effort rather than the performance of an individual archer.

Mighty Marathas Secure First Win of the Season

Earlier on Saturday, Mighty Marathas recorded their first victory of the season with a commanding 6-0 win over Chola Chiefs.

Dutch compound archer Mike Schloesser, popularly known as ‘Mr. Perfect’, lived up to his reputation by hitting six consecutive 10s from six arrows. India’s Dhiraj Bommadevara also played a crucial role, delivering under pressure to help his team secure the victory.

The Marathas edged the opening set 74-73 before extending their advantage to 4-0 in the second set. Bommadevara produced a vital 10 as the clock approached zero, helping his team maintain its momentum.

The Marathas then clinched the third set 74-72 to complete a dominant performance without conceding a set.

Kakatiya Knights Beat Defending Champions

In the final match of the day, Kakatiya Knights defeated defending champions Rajputana Royals 6-2, handing the title holders their second consecutive defeat.

Asian Games recurve bronze medallist Neeraj Chauhan delivered crucial X-ring 10s, while Jyothi Surekha Vennam played an important role in the Knights’ comeback.

Tokyo Olympic champion Mete Gazoz helped the Royals claim the opening set, but the Knights responded strongly by winning the next three sets to seal the contest.

The result added further intrigue to the competition as teams continued their battle for places in the knockout stages.

APL Season 2 Heads Towards the Knockout Stage

The second season of the Archery Premier League features six franchises and 48 archers, comprising 36 Indian competitors and 12 international participants.

The tournament is scheduled to conclude on October 18. The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals before competing for the championship.

Sunday’s schedule features three encounters, with Chero Archers facing local favourites Kakatiya Knights, Chola Chiefs taking on Prithviraaj Yodhas, and Mighty Marathas meeting defending champions Rajputana Royals.

With the league stage progressing, the teams will look to strengthen their positions and build momentum ahead of the decisive knockout rounds.