Pune is set to witness a defining moment in Indian shooting as the inaugural Shooting League of Maharashtra (SLM) gets underway from April 17 to 19, 2026.
Hosted at the Chhatraguj Nurses School in Amanora Park, the three-day competition represents a significant structural shift in how the sport is organised, consumed, and developed at the grassroots and elite levels.
Organised by the Maharashtra Rifle Association, the league is part of a broader rollout aligned with the vision of the Shooting League of India (SLI). Following the successful introduction of a similar model in Karnataka, Maharashtra becomes the next major state to adopt a league-based ecosystem aimed at strengthening the sport’s competitive depth and visibility.
A Structural Shift in Indian Shooting
Traditionally, shooting in India has operated through individual-centric competitions, with limited emphasis on spectator engagement or team identity. The introduction of the SLM signals a move towards a more dynamic, league-driven model one that mirrors successful frameworks seen in other sports.
At the core of this transformation is the introduction of a team-based format. A total of 18 district teams will compete in the inaugural edition, featuring 144 athletes across 10m rifle and pistol events. This structure not only introduces regional pride but also fosters a sense of belonging and identity, elements that have historically been absent in the sport.
The league will adopt a shorter and more engaging match format, designed to make shooting more accessible to spectators without compromising on technical standards. This aligns with the SLI’s long-term objective of bridging the gap between high-performance sport and audience engagement.
One of the defining aspects of the inaugural edition is the involvement of some of India’s most accomplished shooters and coaches. Olympians and elite names such as Rahi Sarnobat, Anjali Bhagwat, Suma Shirur, Tejaswini Sawant, Deepali Deshpande, and Rudrankksh Patil, along with coach Ronak Pandit, will serve as mentors during the competition.
Their presence is expected to play a crucial role in athlete development, offering technical guidance, tactical insights, and exposure to elite-level thinking. For younger shooters, the opportunity to interact with and learn from such experienced professionals could prove invaluable in accelerating their progression.
A notable feature of the Shooting League of Maharashtra is its inclusive structure. The competition will not impose gender-based restrictions, allowing mixed teams to compete on equal footing. This approach reflects the inherently meritocratic nature of shooting, where performance is determined by precision and consistency rather than physical disparities.
By promoting mixed participation, the league sets a progressive precedent for the sport in India, reinforcing equal opportunity while enhancing team dynamics.
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The participation of 18 district teams ensures widespread representation from across Maharashtra, highlighting the depth of talent within the state. Teams such as Sobo Giants (Mumbai City), Western Rangers (Mumbai Suburban), Aamhi Punekar (Pune), Kolhapur Bisons, Nashik Nem-Baz, and Nagpur Tigers bring together a mix of emerging shooters and established names.
Each team comprises athletes across rifle and pistol categories, creating balanced line-ups capable of competing across formats. This distribution also allows lesser-known districts to showcase their talent on a larger platform, potentially identifying future national-level athletes.
The inclusion of districts like Chandrapur, Wardha, Ratnagiri, and Amravati underscores the expanding geographical reach of shooting in Maharashtra. It reflects a shift from metro-centric development to a more decentralised talent ecosystem. The introduction of state-level leagues like the SLM is central to the long-term vision of the Shooting League of India. By creating a structured pathway that connects grassroots participation with elite competition, the initiative aims to address key gaps in the current system.
One of the primary objectives is to increase the sport’s visibility. Shooting, despite being one of India’s most successful Olympic disciplines, has struggled to build a strong fan base. The league format, with its shorter matches and team narratives, is designed to make the sport more engaging and relatable to a wider audience.
Additionally, the league provides a consistent competitive platform for athletes, reducing reliance on sporadic national events. Regular competition is critical for performance development, particularly in a sport where consistency and mental resilience are paramount.
Pune’s selection as the host city reflects its growing status as a hub for sports development in India. The city’s infrastructure, accessibility, and sporting culture make it an ideal venue for launching a new initiative of this scale. The successful execution of the league could position Pune and Maharashtra more broadly as a key centre for shooting in the country, attracting future events and investment in the sport.
The inaugural Shooting League of Maharashtra is more than just a competition it is a pilot model for the future of shooting in India. If successful, it could pave the way for similar leagues across other states, ultimately feeding into a national-level league system. For athletes, the league offers exposure, competition, and a pathway to higher levels. For administrators, it provides a framework to build a sustainable and engaging ecosystem. And for fans, it introduces a new way to experience a sport that has traditionally been viewed through a limited lens.
As the action begins in Pune, the focus will not only be on results but on the broader impact of this initiative. The success of the SLM could well define the next phase of Indian shooting one that is more structured, inclusive, and connected than ever before.
