Sony Pictures Networks India Private Limited (SPN) will retain media rights to broadcast major international archery events on its sports channels as well as livestream it on its premium OTT platform SonyLIV across the Indian subcontinent until the end of 2023.
The network has extended its deal with World Archery for two seasons.
Sony Pictures Networks India will remain the home of coverage of the 2022 and 2023 Hyundai Archery World Cup and 2023 Hyundai World Archery Championships, which is expected be the primary qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, in homes across India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and the Maldives.
Commenting on the development, Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer, Distribution and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India, said: “Sony Pictures Networks India is delighted to extend our association with World Archery for another two seasons. Almost 21 million people watched live Archery at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 which shows there is a loyal audience for this sport in India.”
“Top ranked Indian archers like Deepika Kumari, Atanu Das, Abhishek Verma and more have helped to foster a steady rise in support from Indian fans,” he added.
On the other hand, World Archery President Prof Dr Ugur Erdener said: “Our valuable partnership with Sony Pictures Networks India ensures coverage of our world-class events in some of our fastest-growing markets. India’s archers are consistent medal contenders – and it’s exciting to see the growing domestic support behind them.”
Notably, Indian archers had impressive results in last season’s return after the pandemic. Former world number one Deepika Kumari won a career-best two stages of the Hyundai Archery World Cup, held in Guatemala and Paris, and the Indian team dominated at the World Archery Youth Championships.
India is expected to be one of archery’s most competitive nations once again in 2022.