The Shooting League of India (SLI) took another decisive step in its expansion with the formal induction of UP Prometheans as its newest franchise, unveiled through an immersive launch at the Prometheus School Shooting Range in Noida.
The occasion was designed not as a conventional announcement but as a live demonstration of intent placing the spotlight firmly on infrastructure, grassroots development, and long-term commitment to Olympic shooting.
The launch unfolded as a shooting showcase, with administrators, Olympians, and stakeholders touring the international-standard 10-metre range and stepping onto the firing line to experience the facility firsthand. Across multiple lanes, young shooters trained under supervision, offering a tangible glimpse into the scale of preparation and investment being channelled into the sport in Uttar Pradesh. The setting underscored a clear message: the franchise’s entry into the league is rooted in ecosystem-building rather than short-term visibility.
Senior leadership from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) was present, including Kalikesh Singh Deo, President, NRAI; Pawan Kumar Singh, Secretary General, NRAI; and K. Sultan Singh, Vice President, NRAI. They were joined by Mukesh Sharma, Franchise Owner of UP Prometheans, whose role in driving the project has been central to the franchise’s philosophy.
The event also brought together some of Indian shooting’s most respected names. Among the athletes in attendance were Padma Shri and Khel Ratna awardee Jitu Rai, Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awardee Ronjan Sodhi, Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Mansher Singh, Arjuna Awardee Moraad Ali Khan, and Asian Games gold medallist Akhil Sheoran. Their presence added weight to the occasion, linking the league’s future-facing vision with the sport’s proven excellence.
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UP Prometheans’ entry into the Shooting League of India signals a long-term commitment to strengthening the shooting ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh through structured talent identification, access to modern facilities, and clearly defined athlete development pathways. The franchise is closely aligned with the “Mission Olympics” program at Prometheus School, where sport is integrated into education with a focus on scientific training and early exposure to high-performance environments.
Speaking at the launch, Mukesh Sharma emphasized that the franchise represents more than team ownership. “For us, UP Prometheans is not just about owning a team; it is about supporting an Olympic sport in a meaningful and lasting way,” he said. “Shooting has consistently been one of India’s strongest medal prospects, and we felt this was the right sport to invest in with sincerity and patience.”
Sharma highlighted the tangible outcomes of that approach, pointing to six students from the Prometheus ecosystem Siya Marwah, Vaivaswat Vijay Singh Deo, Siana Monga, Sidhaan Gandhi, Ayaana Chinaria, and Aarish Goel who are already competing at the national level. “Their progress is a powerful validation of what the right ecosystem can achieve,” he noted, adding that the franchise strongly believes in the Shooting League of India’s vision to inspire the next generation of Indian shooters.
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Welcoming UP Prometheans into the league, NRAI President Kalikesh Singh Deo underlined the broader significance of such investments. “For Indian shooting to become a consistent Olympic medal contender, talent must be matched with strong institutions, modern infrastructure, scientific training systems, and long-term private investment,” he said. “Mr. Sharma’s commitment through UP Prometheans and the Shooting League of India reflects exactly that approach.”
He further described the league as a modern, team-based, and broadcast-friendly platform designed to make shooting more visible and engaging for wider audiences. “Franchises like UP Prometheans play a vital role not only during competition but beyond it—by nurturing talent, expanding audiences, and encouraging year-round engagement with the sport,” he added. What stood out at the Prometheus campus, he concluded, was the seriousness of the investment and the confidence it instills in young athletes from schools and smaller towns to train at world-class standards and aim higher.
The launch also served as a reminder of Uttar Pradesh’s rich shooting heritage. Over the years, the state has produced and nurtured several national and international performers, including Jitu Rai, Anisa Sayyed, Prashant Kumar, Ravi Kumar, Vijayveer Sidhu, and Akhil Sheoran. With UP Prometheans now entering the Shooting League of India, that legacy gains a structured, high-visibility platform—one that connects grassroots talent with elite competition and reinforces Uttar Pradesh’s growing stature in Indian shooting.
