The much-awaited Shooting League of India (SLI) is gearing up for its inaugural season in early 2026, marking a major step forward for Indian shooting.
With a refined calendar that aligns better with the ISSF schedule, athlete commitments, and broadcast timelines, the league promises to deliver a world-class sporting experience for competitors, franchises, and fans alike. Conceptualised under the aegis of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), the SLI represents a landmark initiative designed to blend elite sport, entertainment, and development. Modeled on successful global leagues, it aims to bring together top Indian and international shooters in a dynamic, spectator-friendly format one that could redefine how shooting is consumed and celebrated in India.
NRAI President Reviews Preparations in Mumbai
During his visit to Mumbai, NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo held an extensive preparatory meeting with franchise owners from Delhi and Mumbai at the Worli Shooting Range. Discussions focused on key operational aspects — team-building, athlete onboarding, marketing strategies, and venue readiness all integral to ensuring a smooth and impactful debut season for the league.
Speaking after the meeting, President Deo expressed optimism about the progress and vision of the participating teams:
“It was wonderful to meet the owners of our Mumbai and Delhi franchises. Everyone is excited to embark on this journey that will herald the future of Indian shooting. The Shooting League of India is one of its kind globally, and we are confident it will lead in technological innovation and expand the sport’s popularity even further. It is going to be a fun-filled season featuring the best shooters in the world and tremendous viewership, both on-ground and online.”
He further emphasized the collaborative spirit required to make the league a success:
“For any league to succeed, all stakeholders shooters, franchise owners, and the federation must grow together. Our responsibility at NRAI is to provide full technical and logistical support and create a healthy, collaborative environment to take the league forward as true partners. The Shooting League of India is not just a competition, but an economically viable platform that will bring recognition, investment, and wider participation into the sport.”
Franchises Share Vision for the Future
The meeting also saw franchise owners share their long-term vision for the league and for Indian shooting’s broader ecosystem.
Gaurav Agarwal, Team Principal of the Delhi Franchise, highlighted how India’s growing sporting culture and policy support have created fertile ground for initiatives like the SLI.
“The amount of focus the government has given to sports in the last decade is tremendously exciting. Shooting has brought so much glory to India from Abhinav Bindra igniting that fire years ago to our recent Olympic heroes inspiring a new generation. More than the kids, it is the parents who need to be inspired, and once that happens, I see no reason why India will not become a global shooting hub in the next 10–15 years.”
He further outlined his franchise’s mission beyond competition:
“We are looking at a long-term vision that goes beyond just the league. Our goal is to provide shooters with year-round access to ranges, quality training, and consistent support so they can excel at the national and international level. Shooting may be an expensive sport, but with the right ecosystem, we can help India produce world champions.”
Mumbai Franchise Focuses on Grassroots Growth
Echoing similar sentiment, Mr. Zahir Hawa, Co-owner of the Mumbai Franchise, spoke passionately about his team’s deep-rooted commitment to the sport and its future:
“We have been part of shooting for nearly three decades it is in our blood. Getting into the Shooting League of India and putting our skin in the game is our way of showing commitment to the sport and helping take it to the next level. This is not a one- or two-year venture for us; we are looking at a 10-year horizon. We want to identify and nurture talent that stays with us, build training and feeder centres, and contribute to the sport’s growth from the grassroots up.”
He also emphasized the need to make shooting more accessible to the public:
“People just need to experience the thrill of shooting once that feeling of hitting a target is addictive. Our endeavour is to make the sport as accessible and enjoyable as possible for everyone. Through introduction courses and academies, we’re breaking the notion that shooting is an exclusive sport. Once people try it, they fall in love with it.”
A New Era for Indian Shooting
The Shooting League of India is expected to feature multiple franchises divided into two pools, competing across pistol (10m, 25m), rifle (10m, 50m 3P), and shotgun (trap & skeet) disciplines. The competition will follow a mixed-team format, ensuring inclusive representation and strategic variety. Shooters will be classified into four tiers Elite Champions, World Elite, National Champions, and Junior & Youth Champions creating a balanced blend of experience and emerging talent. The structure aims not only to attract the sport’s top performers but also to develop the next generation of Indian shooters by giving them exposure to professional team competition.
The league’s vision extends beyond medals it’s about building an ecosystem that integrates training, innovation, fan engagement, and economic sustainability. By combining sport and spectacle, SLI aims to make shooting more relatable to Indian audiences and provide athletes with new avenues for growth and recognition.
As preparations intensify for the 2026 launch, optimism is high among all stakeholders. The Shooting League of India is poised to become a transformative chapter in Indian sport an ambitious effort that could inspire a new wave of participation, professionalism, and pride in shooting. With the NRAI steering the initiative and committed franchise owners driving the vision, the stage is set for shooting to step into the mainstream with the SLI as its grand stage.
The inaugural season of the Shooting League of India will be held in early 2026, with official franchise announcements, team unveilings, and the league schedule expected later this year.
