New Delhi, Jan 6 (NationPress) In the realm of Indian sports, franchise ownership is often confined to boardrooms. However, Mumbai X Calibers, poised to participate in the forthcoming Shooting League of India (SLI), is breaking the mold. Remarkably, each of the three owners is an active shooter.

Ronak Pandit, who clinched gold in the men’s 25m standard pistol (pairs) at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, is currently competing at the 68th National Shooting Championship Competitions (NSCC) in Delhi alongside his co-owner Zahir Hawa.

Together with fellow shooter Faiyaz Virani, their joint roles as active athletes and franchise proprietors signify a remarkable advancement in Indian professional sports. They believe this dual identity could serve as Mumbai X Calibers’ greatest asset.

Zahir Hawa, boasting over 25 years in the shooting world, found it almost instinctual to invest in the league. “As soon as I learned about the league, I felt compelled to participate. I have a passion for shooting and wanted to be involved,” he expressed. “This is the perfect opportunity to give back and remain connected to the sport, even at this stage of my life.”

On a parallel note, Pandit shares a similar viewpoint regarding ownership but emphasizes a well-defined long-term strategy. “The league is not merely about those two weeks of competition,” he clarified. “It’s about enhancing the sport’s accessibility and expanding the talent pool, ensuring long-term benefits for shooters.”

The vision of Mumbai X Calibers transcends merely assembling a competitive team. The owners aspire for the franchise to reflect the essence of the city it represents. “A team should embody the character of its city,” Zahir Hawa remarked. “That connection is how people relate to it. Mumbai possesses a unique spirit and ambition, and we aim to reflect that in our franchise’s development.”

Pandit echoed this sentiment, stressing that regional identity and connection are as vital as performance outcomes. “Fans support teams because they resonate with the city, the language, the colors, and the values. We have placed Mumbai’s culture and energy at the core of our identity.”

Revealing the inspiration behind the name, he noted, “X Calibers was suggested by Zahir Hawa’s daughter. Excalibur symbolizes a legendary sword, while calibers is a shooting term reflective of ammunition quality. We appreciated how these two concepts converged, leading to the birth of the name Mumbai X Calibers.”

As active competitors, the Mumbai co-owners enjoy an insider’s perspective on the sport that few other franchises can match. They experience the pressures and realities of elite competition firsthand—not merely as spectators, but as engaged participants, giving them a competitive advantage.

“Because we are still competing, we understand the sport, how formats function, and how athletes react in various circumstances,” Zahir Hawa remarked, while also recognizing that experience can occasionally offer an additional benefit. “There are advantages and disadvantages, but yes, it does give us a slight edge.”

Ultimately, the primary goal of Mumbai X Calibers is development. Both owners emphasized that the league should broaden opportunities in a sport where traditional pathways have been limited. “This team is not solely about winning matches or providing entertainment. It’s about elevating the sport, supporting athletes beyond the league, and fostering shooters who can realistically aspire to represent India in major events in the future.”