Indian shooting is stepping into a bold new chapter with the launch of the Shooting League of India (SLI) the country’s first-ever franchise-based professional shooting league.
Backed by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and sanctioned by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), the SLI is set to redefine how fans experience one of India’s most successful Olympic sports.
The SLI is not just another league; it’s a strategic step toward making shooting more competitive, accessible, and entertaining. Over the years, Indian shooters have delivered remarkable global results from Abhinav Bindra’s Olympic gold to a new generation of world champions like Manu Bhaker and Swapnil Kusale. Yet, the sport has struggled to gain mainstream attention at home.
By introducing a city-based franchise model, the SLI aims to change that. The league will feature six to eight teams, each comprising:
- 12 athletes (6 men and 6 women)
- Up to 4 international shooters
- At least two U-21 Indian talents
Players will be divided into auction categories Elite Champions, World Elite, National Champions, and Junior & Youth Champions ensuring a balanced mix of world-class experience and emerging Indian promise.
NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo describes the initiative as “a long-overdue step to bring visibility and structure to a sport that has made India proud for decades.”
Global Stars, Global Spotlight
With over 400 shooters from 20+ countries registering for the inaugural season, the SLI is already attracting attention from around the world. The list of confirmed participants includes some of the biggest names in world shooting:
- 🥇 Nathan Hales (UK) – Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallist in Trap
- 🥉 Miran Maričić (Croatia) – Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist, 10m Air Rifle
- 🥇 Giovanni Cernogoraz (Croatia) – 2012 Olympic gold medallist and 2023 World Champion in Trap
- 🥈 Mary Tucker (USA) – Tokyo 2020 Olympic medallist and NCAA champion
Speaking about her participation, Tucker said, “The Shooting League of India is a huge opportunity to help the next generation learn from international champions while growing the sport globally.”
To make shooting engaging for fans, the SLI has reimagined the sport’s format. The league will introduce the Mixed Team Duel Mode, where one man and one woman from opposing teams go head-to-head in fast-paced, time-bound shootouts lasting 30–40 minutes.
Events will span all three major shooting disciplines:
- Pistol: 10m Air Pistol, 25m Pistol
- Rifle: 10m Air Rifle, 50m Rifle 3 Positions
- Shotgun: Trap, Skeet
The structure features a round-robin group stage, followed by semi-finals and finals, ensuring continuous action and viewer engagement. Every shot will carry consequence, transforming what was once a quiet precision sport into a high-drama, spectator-friendly contest.
The SLI plans to revolutionize the spectator experience by integrating cutting-edge sports technology and live analytics into its broadcasts.
Fans will witness:
- Live heart-rate monitors showing how shooters manage nerves and focus under pressure.
- Laser scatter visualizations, displaying aiming stability and adjustment before every shot.
This data-driven storytelling will not only make the sport visually dynamic but will also help viewers appreciate the mental and technical brilliance required to shoot a perfect 10.9.
Economic and Professional Breakthrough
The league’s structure ensures both competitive balance and financial security for athletes. Each player’s participation costs travel, accommodation, and logistics will be covered by their franchises. In addition, shooters will earn guaranteed tournament fees between €5,000 and €10,000, a first-of-its-kind initiative that makes shooting a sustainable professional career option in India.
Franchises will also be open to foreign investment, inviting global stakeholders to participate in India’s growing sports economy while bringing in international expertise and commercial partnerships.
Originally scheduled for November 20 to December 2, 2025, the inaugural season of the Shooting League of India has been rescheduled to early 2026 to align better with the global shooting calendar. The action will take place at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi India’s premier shooting venue.
Franchise announcements and the first-ever player auction are expected later this year, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated launches in Indian sports.
For decades, Indian shooting has delivered results but lacked a public platform that matched its global success. The SLI changes that equation by combining Olympic precision with the energy of professional league sport.
Through:
- City-based rivalries that build local loyalty
- Mixed-gender team formats promoting inclusivity
- Tech-driven storytelling that bridges athletes and fans
the SLI promises to make shooting a sport audiences can finally connect with emotionally, visually, and competitively.
With Olympic champions on board, global media interest building, and over 400 shooters already registered, the Shooting League of India is set to fire the starting shot for a new era in Indian sport. This isn’t just a league it’s a movement. One where precision meets passion, technology meets tradition, and for the first time, fans get to see the heartbeat behind every shot.
