Kakatiya Knights and Mighty Marathas consolidated their grip at the top of the Archery Premier League (APL) Season 2 standings on Day 7, both sides climbing to 10 points after commanding victories at People's Plaza, Hyderabad on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. Meanwhile, Prithviraaj Yodhas bounced back from a mini slump with a convincing win of their own, climbing to third on eight points.

Key Results from Day 7

Prithviraaj Yodhas opened the day with a 5-1 win over Chero Archers in a reverse fixture that bore little resemblance to their earlier encounter, which had required three Sudden Death tiebreakers. After a closely contested first set that ended 75-75, Yodhas pulled clear with a strong second set, capitalising on a hurried final arrow from Chero's Kumkum Mohod, who could manage only a 7, while Yodhas finished with four 10s. In the third set, USA's Casey Kaufhold came in for Kumkum but opened with an 8, allowing Yodhas — led by Matias Grande — to close out 77-74.

Kakatiya Knights edged out Rajputana Royals 6-2 in a match that produced the best set of the night: a second-set thriller where all eight archers were in sensational form, settled by a final X from Neeraj Chauhan at 79-78. Royals, who had two of the tournament's best-scoring archers on the night — including Mete Gazoz — could not clinch the decisive moments. Jyothi Surekha Vennam was also in impressive form for Knights, contributing 78 from her eight arrows.

Mighty Marathas completed a 6-0 whitewash over Chola Chiefs, who have now suffered five consecutive defeats and remain rooted to the bottom with just one win from seven matches. Marathas, who had lost their first two fixtures, have now won five in a row and are emerging as the form side of the season.

Star Performers of the Day

The standout individual performance came from 16-year-old recurve archer Gatha Anandrao Khadake, who shot a near-perfect 58 out of 60 for Yodhas. Asian Games compound medallist Ganesh Thirumuru added a superb 59 in support. For Marathas, Simranjeet Kaur emerged as an unexpected match-winner with a sensational 59 out of 60, while Dhiraj Bommadevara, Mike Schloesser, and Parneet Kaur chipped in solidly. Neeraj Chauhan's clutch shooting — anchoring with successive 10s at pressure moments — has made him one of the breakout stories of APL Season 2.

Standings and Context

The Archery Premier League is the world's first franchise-based archery league, initiated by the Archery Association of India, featuring six teams, 48 archers — including 36 Indians and 12 elite international stars. The league is being played at People's Plaza, Hyderabad and culminates on 18 October with the grand finale. The top four teams advance to the semifinals. With Chero Archers now losing three in a row after a bright start, the race for the fourth semifinal spot is tightening.

What to Expect on Day 8

On Thursday, Prithviraaj Yodhas face struggling Chola Chiefs in the opening match, looking to strengthen their semifinal case. Defending champions Rajputana Royals then take on in-form Mighty Marathas in what is arguably the marquee clash of the league phase. The day wraps up with local franchise Kakatiya Knights squaring off against Chero Archers in a match that could have significant semifinal implications.

Best Archers of Day 7 (₹1 lakh reward each)

Recurve male: Atanu Das (Chero Archers) | Recurve female: Simranjeet Kaur (Mighty Marathas) | Compound male: Ojas Deotale (Rajputana Royals) | Compound female: Ella Gibson (Rajputana Royals) and Jyothi Surekha Vennam (Kakatiya Knights)