Shooting League of India Set for February 2026 Launch with Global Alignment and Franchise Format

The long-awaited Shooting League of India (SLI) will officially make its debut from February 16 to 26, 2026, marking a significant step in the evolution of competitive shooting in the country.

The confirmation of dates follows an earlier announcement that the inaugural edition would be shifted to early 2026, with the final window now carefully aligned with the ISSF’s 2026 calendar to avoid clashes with major international competitions. The scheduling clarity is expected to ensure maximum participation from both Indian and international athletes, allowing the league to present a truly global field in its first season. With elite shooters set to compete alongside India’s top national and junior talents, the SLI aims to blend technical excellence with a spectator-friendly league format.

At its core, the Shooting League of India is designed as a franchise-based competition, bringing shooting closer to mainstream sports audiences while maintaining the sport’s competitive integrity. By introducing mixed-team events, shorter and sharper match formats, and a premium broadcast focus, the league seeks to transform precision shooting into an engaging, widely followed sporting product.

Speaking on the significance of the league, newly elected NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo described the SLI as a landmark moment for the sport in India. He emphasised that the league is built with athletes at the centre, structured around the global competition calendar, and designed to welcome international stars. According to him, the combination of mixed-team formats, strong storytelling and broadcast quality will help the SLI deliver a world-class opening season while inspiring the next generation of Indian shooters.

The league’s leadership believes that this format addresses a long-standing gap in Indian shooting the absence of a regular, high-visibility domestic platform that allows athletes to compete in pressure situations outside major championships. By creating competitive repetitions in a league environment, shooters are expected to gain sharper match temperament and tactical awareness.

NRAI Secretary General Pawankumar Singh highlighted the developmental aspect of the league, noting that the presence of top international and Indian athletes will raise competitive standards. He stressed that SLI offers domestic shooters a rare opportunity to understand how elite performers prepare and execute at the highest level. The league, he added, is also expected to make shooting more accessible and engaging for fans, widening the sport’s reach beyond traditional audiences.

Former World Champion Ronjan Sodhi echoed this sentiment, pointing to the league’s potential as a broadcast product. With tighter formats and mixed-team dynamics, Sodhi noted that the SLI has the ability to convert fine technical margins often difficult for casual viewers to appreciate into compelling sporting drama. According to him, this platform could make shooting a must-watch spectacle without diluting its technical depth.

India’s former World No. 1 and shooting legend Anjali Bhagwat underlined the educational value of the league for younger athletes. She emphasised that sharing the firing line with global stars gives juniors and national-level shooters a chance to learn, adapt and elevate their performances. With a protected window, strong officiating, and competitive balance, Bhagwat believes the SLI can set new benchmarks for how shooting competitions are conducted in India.

From a competition standpoint, the Shooting League of India will feature mixed team events across all major disciplines Pistol (10m and 25m), Rifle (10m and 50m 3P), and Shotgun (Trap and Skeet). Franchise teams will be split into two pools during the league stage, followed by knockout rounds that culminate in the title decider.

Player selection is structured through a four-tier draft system: Elite Champions, World Elite, National Champions, and Junior & Youth. This approach ensures a balanced composition of teams, mixing established international stars with India’s best shooters and emerging prospects. The format is designed to maintain competitiveness while also fulfilling a clear development mandate.

As the countdown begins to February 2026, the Shooting League of India stands poised to redefine how the sport is experienced in the country.

With global alignment, franchise appeal and a strong emphasis on athlete development, the SLI promises not just a new competition, but a new chapter for Indian shooting.