The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) announced the launch of the Shooting League of India (SLI), a franchise-based shooting league, with its first edition scheduled for March 2025.
The proposal, initiated by NRAI President Kalikesh Singh Deo, has received approval from the federation’s governing body and is awaiting clearance from the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).
Speaking on the initiative, Kalikesh Singh Deo said, “Shooting, particularly after the performance in the recent Paris Olympics, has received a huge fillip in its popularity, and we thought this was the right moment to launch a league. Franchise leagues have not only helped popularize other sports but have brought in new audiences and revenue for both the sports and athletes. We owe it to our athletes to make the sport self-sustainable.”
He also acknowledged the challenge of making shooting more engaging for viewers, stating, “Shooting in its pure Olympic form and format is not considered television-friendly, but we have deliberated upon this extensively and believe we may have arrived at a winning formula. It’s all in the interest of the sport and its super athletes, who have consistently brought glory to the country on global platforms.”
Sultan Singh, NRAI’s Secretary-General, elaborated on the plans for the league, “We want all 15 Olympic events to be part of the SLI, but we will innovate and tweak formats to make them more exciting for broadcast and livestream. Additionally, we’re looking to introduce unique ownership and team compositions to attract new audiences and sponsors.”
This announcement follows India’s successful showing at the Paris Olympics, where the nation claimed three bronze medals, accounting for half of India’s overall medal tally. It was the first time India won three medals in a single sport at the Olympics, further establishing Shooting as the country’s most successful individual Olympic sport. Over the past two decades, Indian shooters have secured one gold, two silver, and four bronze medals at the Games.
India’s historic success in shooting began with Abhinav Bindra, who won the nation’s first-ever individual Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In Paris, Manu Bhaker added another milestone by becoming the first Indian athlete to win multiple medals in a single edition of the Games, enhancing the sport’s popularity.
The NRAI’s launch of the SLI aims to build on this momentum, providing a platform for Indian shooters to excel while engaging fans through an innovative and dynamic competition format.