New Delhi, Oct 4 (NationPress) The world’s top recurve archer, Brady Ellison from the USA, is experiencing an unforgettable journey during his inaugural visit to India. Currently in the capital for the first-ever Archery Premier League (APL), Ellison is struck by the warm reception and admiration he has garnered while captaining the Chola Chiefs franchise.

The six-team APL commenced on Dussehra, October 2, and is set to run until October 12. The Chiefs have triumphed in two out of their three matches, with Ellison showcasing exceptional skill as a leader.

"It’s truly delightful. I’m still battling through jet lag, but we’ve been practicing a lot, and I’ve been sneaking in naps during the day,” remarked Ellison, who is overwhelmed by the attention he receives whenever he approaches the shooting line. “I can sense a significant fan base here, from the crowd’s energy to the numerous requests for pictures and autographs.

As the only male archer to have clinched the Archery World Cup final six times, Ellison has also participated in five Olympic Games, earning five medals, including a silver in the individual category at the Paris Games and a bronze in Rio.

Ellison, a three-time champion in field archery, is embracing the unique challenges posed by the APL, which features seasoned Indian archers such as Deepika Kumari, Atanu Das, Tarundeep Rai, Abhishek Verma, and rising talents like Ojas Deotale, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, and Dhiraj Bommadevara.

“My initial thought was that the APL would be different, and I was uncertain how it would unfold,” shared Ellison, who transitioned from compound to recurve archery in 2005.

The league employs a format that incorporates both recurve and compound archers, with eight players per team. Ellison believes this will positively impact the sport, especially since compound archery will debut at the LA 2028 Olympics in a mixed team event.

“I believe this will significantly benefit the sport, as compound archery represents the next evolution, and it warrants recognition. I hope to see compound archery flourish in the Olympics while ensuring recurve remains,” stated the 36-year-old American.

Discussing the APL, Ellison views the time constraint for shooting as the most challenging aspect that archers will need time to adapt to.

Each team has 120 seconds to shoot eight arrows (two arrows per archer) for every set played.

“In many instances, teams are shooting right up to the buzzer, rushing to the lines, and making errors that are uncommon for us. It’s a challenging timed format,” assessed Ellison.

“When I first read the rules, I thought there was an error. 120 seconds for 8 arrows felt like a typo, and I was convinced it would be different once we arrived here,” he added.

“However, I think it’s brilliant. Almost everyone is scrambling to learn how to shoot much faster than usual. The rotations must be quicker, and everything is fast-paced, which is amazing. It will be fascinating to see if teams face frustration as the week progresses. I do anticipate some adjustments will be made to maximize scoring from all 8 arrows,” Ellison concluded.

Reflecting on his experiences in India during his first week, he stated, “I’m truly impressed with this country as it is one of the most hospitable and generous places I have visited. Everyone has been exceptionally kind, inquiring about my needs and offering assistance. It embodies a very giving culture that is distinct from my expectations or any other place I’ve visited.”