APL Season 2: Prithviraaj Yodhas down Chero Archers 5-1 in Hyderabad
Synopsis
Prithviraaj Yodhas brushed aside Chero Archers 5-1 in APL Season 2, with 16-year-old Gatha Anandrao Khadake shooting 58 out of 60 to star. The win ends Yodhas' own wobble and piles more pressure on Chero, who have now lost three on the trot — their early-season promise all but faded.
Key Takeaways
Prithviraaj Yodhas beat Chero Archers 5-1 (75-75, 77-75, 77-74) on Day 7 of APL Season 2 in Hyderabad .
16-year-old Gatha Anandrao Khadake shot 58 out of 60 , the standout performance of the match.
Asian Games medallist Ganesh Thirumuru contributed 59 to anchor the Yodhas' total.
The win moves Prithviraaj Yodhas to 8 points and ends their mini slump.
Chero Archers have now suffered three consecutive defeats after a bright start to the season.
The APL league phase concludes on 18 October , with the top four advancing to the semifinals.
Prithviraaj Yodhas delivered a commanding 5-1 victory over Chero Archers on Day 7 of Archery Premier League (APL) Season 2 at People's Plaza, Hyderabad, inflicting a third consecutive defeat on their opponents and moving themselves firmly back into semifinal contention.
Key Performances
The Yodhas were powered by a standout display from 16-year-old recurve archer Gatha Anandrao Khadake, who shot an impressive 58 out of a possible 60. Asian Games compound medallist Ganesh Thirumuru was equally sharp, contributing 59 to anchor the team's scoring. Their combined form gave Yodhas a decisive edge across the three sets.
How the Match Unfolded
The contest opened evenly, with both teams finishing the first set level at 75-75, echoing the tight encounters the two sides had shared in their reverse fixture. However, the second set proved pivotal — Chero Archers' Kumkum Mohod was left with insufficient time to execute her final arrow cleanly, managing only a 7, while the Yodhas closed the set emphatically with four 10s to take a lead on set points.
Chero brought in USA's Casey Kaufhold as a replacement for Kumkum ahead of the third set, but she opened with an 8, allowing the Yodhas to seize the advantage once more. Gatha stepped up with two 10s, and Mathias Grande calmly sealed the set and match 77-74. The final scoreline read 75-75, 77-75, 77-74 in Yodhas' favour.
Standings and Context
The win ends a mini slump for the Yodhas, lifting them to eight points in the standings. Chero Archers, who had opened the season with considerable promise, have now lost three matches in a row, raising questions about their ability to qualify for the final four.
The APL, widely recognised as the world's first franchise-based archery league, is an initiative of the Archery Association of India. The league features six teams and 48 archers — 36 Indians and 12 international stars — competing at People's Plaza in Hyderabad. The league phase concludes on 18 October with the top four sides advancing to the semifinals ahead of the title clash.
What to Watch on Day 8
Thursday's schedule is packed with high-stakes encounters as the league stage enters its decisive phase. Prithviraaj Yodhas will open the day's play against an inconsistent Chola Chiefs, aiming to further strengthen their semifinal case. Defending champions Rajputana Royals then take on in-form Mighty Marathas. The day concludes with a potential blockbuster as local franchise Kakatiya Knights face a desperate Chero Archers side in what could decide who keeps their title hopes alive.
Point of View
Not a footnote — a 16-year-old outscoring seasoned internationals at a franchise league is precisely the developmental signal the Archery Association of India will want amplified. Chero Archers' three-match slide, however, is a cautionary tale about early-season form not translating when the schedule tightens. The APL's franchise model lives or dies on competitive balance; if two or three teams pull away sharply before the finale, the product suffers. Thursday's Kakatiya Knights versus Chero Archers fixture is, in that sense, more than a points battle — it is a test of whether the league retains its drama through to the final.
NationPress
14 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of Prithviraaj Yodhas vs Chero Archers in APL Season 2?
Prithviraaj Yodhas defeated Chero Archers 5-1 with set scores of 75-75, 77-75, 77-74 on Day 7 of APL Season 2 in Hyderabad. It was Chero Archers' third consecutive defeat of the season.
Who was the star performer for Prithviraaj Yodhas?
16-year-old recurve archer Gatha Anandrao Khadake was the standout, shooting 58 out of a possible 60 . Asian Games compound medallist Ganesh Thirumuru also contributed strongly with a score of 59 .
What is the Archery Premier League (APL)?
The Archery Premier League is recognised as the world's first franchise-based archery league, initiated by the Archery Association of India . It features six teams and 48 archers — 36 Indians and 12 international stars — competing at People's Plaza in Hyderabad, with the Season 2 finale scheduled for 18 October .
Where do Prithviraaj Yodhas stand after the win?
The victory lifts Prithviraaj Yodhas to 8 points in the standings, ending a brief slump and putting them in a strong position to qualify for the semifinals.
What matches are scheduled for Day 8 of APL Season 2?
Day 8 features three matches: Prithviraaj Yodhas vs Chola Chiefs , defending champions Rajputana Royals vs in-form Mighty Marathas , and Kakatiya Knights vs Chero Archers — the last of which could be crucial for both teams' semifinal hopes.
