Is A League The Next Big Step For Indian Shooting?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shooting League of India set for its debut from November 20 to December 2.
- Mixed team events will include Pistol, Rifle, and Shotgun categories.
- Aims to enhance athlete visibility and engagement.
- Focus on reaching grassroots levels for broader participation.
- Emphasis on leveraging technology for fan involvement.
New Delhi, July 25 (NationPress) The Shooting League of India (SLI) is preparing for its highly anticipated launch, and NRAI President Kalikesh Singh Deo views it as a pivotal moment for the sport.
SLI is set to occur between November 20 and December 2, featuring mixed team competitions in Pistol (10M, 25M), Rifle (10M, 50M 3P), and Shotgun (Trap & Skeet).
“From the very beginning, I was confident that given the remarkable achievements of Indian shooting—both at the Olympics and the Asian Games, as well as our impressive showings at World Cups and World Championships over the last five years—a league was the logical next step. Since no franchise-based model like this exists globally, we recognized the necessity to bring it to life,” he stated.
“I’m elated with the response we’ve received, particularly from athletes—both local and international—as well as potential franchises, sponsors, and broadcasters. It’s been an incredible journey thus far,” he added.
Kalikesh emphasized that the league is designed to provide shooters with visibility and ultimately reach grassroots levels. “We aim to ensure that our athletes—both domestic and international—have a platform to become household names and icons. The sport of shooting deserves much more visibility, and this league will facilitate that,” he noted.
“Our aspiration is for this league to eventually influence grassroots levels, extending from national to state, district, and even block levels in the coming years. Once the league gains momentum, I believe its appeal will be evident. Shooting is already among the fastest-growing sports, and this league will help propel that movement further,” he remarked.
Regarding fan engagement, Kalikesh stated, “We want our fans to immerse themselves in the sport, the athletes, and the franchises. To achieve this, we must leverage technology, embrace innovation, and even consider virtual reality if necessary. The goal is to fully engage fans in every shot and ensure they support shooting—one of India’s most successful sports.”