The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) announced India’s First Franchise-Based Shooting League, the Shooting League of India (SLI). This is approved by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). This franchise-based league marks a historic milestone for the sport in India. This is to be held in March 2025, the SLI is anticipated to elevate the visibility of shooting sports and captivate fans across the country with an engaging format. That helps to reach shooting sports to the broader audience.
Why a Franchise-Based League?
The NRAI, India’s governing body for Olympic shooting, aims that shooting sports become more appealing. With a franchise model, it will become more familiar as similar to popular leagues in cricket and football.
However Indian shooters achieved international success. But shooting has often lacked the domestic attention seen in other sports. That’s why NRAI President Kalikesh Narayana Singh Deo highlighted the need for a dynamic format, “Shooting in its purest Olympic form and format is not considered television-friendly. However, we have all deliberated upon it extensively and feel that we may have arrived at a winning formula.”
The league is designed to accomplish several key objectives:
- Engage a Wider Audience: Franchise-based leagues are known for fostering regional pride and fan loyalty. That creates a friendly environment.
- Support Shooters with Consistent Competition: The SLI will provide Indian shooters with a domestic platform. That allows them to compete outside of international events.
- Encourage Financial Backing: With the franchise model, sponsors and brands can support individual teams. That helps in sports development and improves the training facilities for athletes.
Structure of India’s First Franchise-Based Shooting League
The SLI will include all 15 Olympic disciplines across rifle, pistol shooting, and shotgun categories. Secretary-General K Sultan Singh mentioned, “We want to have all 15 Olympic events as part of the SLI, but we will try to innovate and tweak some formats to make them more exciting to watch on telecast or live stream.” This approach is designed to keep traditional Olympic disciplines while adding entertainment value. That makes the league more appealing to television and online audiences.
The SLI has received the ISSF’s support, a vital endorsement that underscores the league’s potential to contribute meaningfully to global shooting sports. This approval from the ISSF gives the league international credibility and opens doors for future international partnerships. Also, we invite shooters from other countries to potentially participate in events.
Shooting: India’s Strongest Olympic Sport
India has noted a remarkable success in shooting since the turn of the century. Indian shooters won one gold, two silvers, and four bronze medals in the Olympics. Most recently, Indian shooters made headlines at the Paris 2024 Olympics, winning three bronze medals:
- Manu Bhaker claimed an individual bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol and paired with Sarabjot Singh to win another in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.
- Swapnil Kusale added another bronze in the men’s 50m 3-position event.
The SLI, by giving shooters a regular domestic competition, hopes to further India’s Olympic achievements.
What’s Next for SLI?
Most probably March 2025 will start India’s First Franchise-Based Shooting League. With the ISSF’s support and increasing interest from Indian fans and businesses, this league brings Indian shooting sports to new heights.
The NRAI is also partnering with broadcasting networks. That makes the league accessible to a wide audience through television and live streaming. Also, makes it easier for fans to follow their favorite teams and shooters. The NRAI envisions SLI as a transformative step for shooting sports.
Conclusion
The Shooting League of India, India’s First Franchise-Based Shooting League represents an innovative step forward. With the ISSF’s endorsement, a franchise-based model, and an inclusive structure covering all Olympic disciplines. The SLI aims to inspire a new era of competitive and accessible shooting in India. With the league’s debut in March 2025, the Shooting League redefines shooting as a sport for Indian fans and athletes alike.
At Ronak Pandit Shooting Centre we welcome the new shooters and look forward to the mind-blowing games. And cheer from the bottom of our hearts and best wishes for the Shooting League of India(SLI).