Mighty Marathas Crowned Archery Premier League Season 2 Champions

Mighty Marathas were crowned Archery Premier League Season 2 champions on Sunday after defeating Kakatiya Knights 6-2 in the grand final, completing a remarkable comeback after losing to the same opponents in the first qualifier earlier in the day.

Recurve star Dhiraj Bommadevara led the Marathas’ title-winning performance, scoring 79 out of a possible 80 points and sealing the final with an arrow in the inner X-ring. Dutch compound archery star Mike Schloesser, popularly known as “Mr. Perfect”, delivered a flawless performance with a perfect 80 out of 80.

The Knights entered the final after defeating the Marathas in Saturday’s last league match and the first qualifier. However, the Marathas bounced back by beating Prithviraaj Yodhas in the second eliminator to secure their place in the title clash.

Dhiraj credited the team’s turnaround to mutual trust, patience and an aggressive approach. He said the team made no changes after the qualifier defeat, describing that consistency as the team’s strength.

Tactical substitutions also played a crucial role in the victory. Schloesser replaced Aman Saini before the second eliminator, scoring 79 before producing his perfect performance in the final. Experienced international archer Alejandra Valencia was also replaced by Simranjeet Kaur during the second match, with the Indian archer responding well under pressure.

The final began with a tied first set at 75-75, as Neeraj Chauhan’s final-arrow 8 proved costly while Dhiraj scored a 10. Dhiraj strengthened the Marathas’ position in the second set with two inner-10s. Although both teams raised their performance in the third set, the Marathas maintained their advantage.

The Knights needed to win the final set to force a shoot-off, but all four archers Nico Wiener, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Elia Canales and Neeraj Chauhan opened with 9s. The Marathas capitalised, scoring 79 to secure the title.

Dhiraj was named Male Recurve Archer of the Day and of the Tournament, capping a memorable campaign for the champions.