The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and the Shooting League of India (SLI) have announced a strategic realignment of the league’s inaugural season, moving the competition to later in 2026 in order to maximise its long-term impact, broadcast reach and overall spectator experience.
The decision follows detailed consultations with key stakeholders, including broadcast partners and franchise owners, and is aimed at positioning the Shooting League of India as a premium sporting property rather than a rushed first edition. By shifting the launch window, the league will now benefit from the heightened public interest and sporting momentum expected to build around India’s participation in major international events such as the Asian Games and other global shooting competitions later in the year.
The earlier schedule would have seen SLI take place ahead of these major multi-sport events, potentially diluting the league’s visibility. The revised calendar allows the league to capitalise on the national attention generated by Indian shooters performing on the continental and world stage, welcoming them into the franchise environment as established stars and medal contenders.
Beyond scheduling, the additional preparation time is being used to significantly upgrade the league’s broadcast and production capabilities. As India’s first-ever franchise-based shooting league, SLI is aiming to redefine how the sport is presented to fans. The organisers are working with specialist international broadcast partners to introduce advanced technologies and camera systems never previously used for shooting in India. These enhancements are designed to provide clearer, more immersive coverage that helps viewers better understand the speed, tension and precision that define elite shooting.
The league is also focusing on strengthening its grassroots footprint during this extended lead-in period. Working closely with state associations, SLI aims to broaden the base of the sport by ensuring that athletes, coaches and infrastructure from across the country are represented in the ecosystem. Franchises have been given additional time to build meaningful connections with their cities through school programmes, community engagement initiatives, fan clubs and local activations, laying the foundation for long-term loyalty before the first shot is fired.
NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo said the realignment reflects a clear athlete-first and fan-first philosophy. He explained that the revised window will allow Shooting League of India to enjoy a dedicated broadcast slot, free from competition with other major sporting events, ensuring maximum television and digital viewership. He also pointed out that the league will now be able to welcome Indian shooters fresh from international competitions, enhancing their star power and narrative appeal within the league.
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The President added that the extra preparation phase allows the organisers to move from testing concepts to delivering a technically flawless broadcast product. The goal, he said, is to ensure that from the very first match, SLI offers a world-class viewing experience that meets global standards.
NRAI Secretary General Pawankumar Singh echoed this sentiment, stressing that the league is being built with long-term sustainability in mind. He said that this period is being used to strengthen the league’s structural foundation by engaging state federations, refining operational processes and finalising the technical elements that will define the league’s identity. According to Singh, the objective is not just to create an exciting tournament, but to build a professional ecosystem that benefits Indian shooting at every level from juniors and state competitors to Olympic medallists.
The Shooting League of India remains firmly committed to its ambition of transforming shooting into a mainstream spectator sport in India. By blending elite international athletes with the country’s finest shooters, SLI aims to create a format that is competitive, accessible and entertaining, while also offering Indian athletes a new platform to showcase their skills and grow their global profiles.
About Shooting League of India
The Shooting League of India (SLI) is India’s first franchise-based professional shooting league, sanctioned by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and supported by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). The league has been designed to promote shooting as a high-profile spectator sport through a competitive, city-based franchise format.
The tournament will feature mixed-team events across pistol (10m and 25m), rifle (10m and 50m three-position) and shotgun (trap and skeet) disciplines. Shooters will be grouped into four competitive tiers Elite Champions, World Elite, National Champions, and Junior & Youth Champions ensuring a dynamic mix of Olympic stars, international performers and rising Indian talent, all competing on the same stage.
