Key Points

"I think this league has the potential of making our sport more professional, putting more money into it, and making people care and look at archery more," said Gibson, as quoted from a release by Archery Premier League.

"I hope it increases popularity not only in India but around the world, and helps us make new waves to move forward," she noted.

The APL is the first franchise-based professional archery competition in India, introducing a fast-paced format that combines Indian and international talent across recurve and compound disciplines. With six franchises, a player draft, and spectator-friendly innovations, the league is designed to elevate the sport both in competition and in visibility.

For Gibson, the format is a refreshing change.

"Having such a different format - shooting under floodlights and alongside archers from different countries and bow styles - is something really unique. I look forward to adapting to the environment and learning from my teammates," she added.

Her conviction comes from a career built on resilience and steady growth. Gibson first discovered archery at 14, when coaches visited her school for a taster session.

"I joined the club just as I turned 15 and started shooting every chance I could get. I loved the peace of it and the focus it required," she recalled.

The early days also brought challenges, she noted, "The biggest challenge was my own high expectations. Some coaches warned me I'd hurt myself with too much training, but I trusted my strength and ability - and luckily, I was right."

Support from her family played a crucial role.

"They've always been there for me - whether I win a medal or face a tough day, they've helped me through it all," she said, as quoted from a release by Archery Premier League.

That perseverance paid off with her first major breakthrough at the 2021 European Championships, where she won silver despite having to compete independently due to Covid restrictions.

Now one of the sport's brightest stars, Gibson credits her coach Jon Nott for his steady guidance and takes inspiration from Dutch great Mike Schloesser for his composure under pressure, but above all, she points to archery itself as both her "greatest love and greatest stress," a sport that has taught her resilience and the importance of self-belief.

Looking ahead to her APL debut in India, she emphasises the league's broader impact, "This format could make archery more exciting for viewers, give more publicity to the sport, and improve compensation for athletes. That would allow us to focus on fewer, higher-quality tournaments and improve livelihoods across the board."

Team spirit will also be a driving force for her.

"When I shoot in a team, my focus is always on us as a unit. I know I'm only one part of the result, so it's about making sure everyone is comfortable and performing. I'll carry that mindset into APL," she said.

Beyond medals and accolades, Gibson hopes the APL will serve as a catalyst for the sport's next chapter.

"This league isn't just for us competing today - it's about shaping the future of archery. Anything that gets our sport in front of more people can inspire the next generation to pick up a bow," she noted.

- ANI