Mumbai, Oct 11 (NationPress) The highly anticipated debut season of the Shooting League of India (SLI) is slated for early 2026, aiming to deliver an even more thrilling and seamless experience for athletes, franchises, and fans alike. The schedule has been meticulously adjusted to enhance calendar alignment with the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), athletes, future franchises, and broadcasting partners.

Developed under the guidance of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), the Shooting League of India is designed to be a revolutionary platform that combines sporting excellence, entertainment, and grassroots development. Modeled after premier international sporting leagues, it will unite top Indian and international shooters in a vibrant, spectator-friendly format, aimed at broadening the sport's outreach and engagement.

During a recent visit to Mumbai, NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo convened with franchise owners from Delhi and Mumbai at the Worli Shooting Range to discuss team formation, athlete recruitment, marketing strategies, and venue preparedness ahead of the SLI.

Expressing enthusiasm about the meeting, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo stated, “It was a pleasure to connect with the owners of our Mumbai and Delhi franchises. Everyone is eager to embark on this journey, which will mark a transformative era for Indian shooting. The Shooting League of India is unique on a global scale, and we believe it will spearhead technological advancements while further popularizing the sport. We are looking forward to a thrilling season showcasing the world's best shooters and an immense viewership, both live and online.”

“For a league to thrive, all involved parties—shooters, franchise owners, and the federation—must evolve together. Our duty at the NRAI is to offer comprehensive technical and logistical assistance, fostering a collaborative environment to advance the league as genuine partners. The Shooting League of India is more than just a competition; it serves as an economically sustainable platform that will attract recognition, investment, and broader participation in the sport,” he added.

Meanwhile, discussing India's shooting potential and the motivation behind joining the league, Gaurav Agarwal, Team Principal of the Delhi Franchise, commented, “The government’s focus on sports over the past decade is incredibly encouraging. Shooting has brought immense pride to India—from Abhinav Bindra igniting that passion years ago to our recent Olympic champions inspiring a new generation. It’s essential to inspire not just the kids, but also their parents, and once that happens, I believe India can emerge as a global shooting hub in the next 10 to 15 years.”

“We are committed to a long-term vision that extends beyond the league. Our aim is to provide shooters with year-round access to ranges, high-quality training, and ongoing support to excel on both national and international stages. While shooting can be costly, the right ecosystem can help India produce world champions,” he continued.

Zahir Hawa, Co-owner of the Mumbai Franchise, remarked, “We have been deeply involved in shooting for nearly three decades—it's part of our identity. Joining the Shooting League of India is our way of demonstrating commitment to the sport and driving it to new heights. This is not a short-term venture; we are looking at a decade-long horizon. We aim to identify and cultivate talent, establish training and feeder centers, and contribute to the sport's growth from the grassroots level.”

“People need to experience the thrill of shooting at least once—the sensation of hitting a target is truly addictive. Our mission is to make the sport as accessible and enjoyable as possible for everyone. Through introductory courses and academies, we are dispelling the notion that shooting is an exclusive sport. Once individuals try it, they often fall in love with it,” he concluded.

The eagerly awaited inaugural season of the SLI will feature franchises split into two pools, competing in mixed team events across pistol (10m, 25m), rifle (10m, 50m 3P), and shotgun (Trap & Skeet) disciplines. Shooters will be categorized into four tiers—Elite Champions, World Elite, National Champions, and Junior & Youth Champions—ensuring a dynamic mix of experience and emerging talent while nurturing the next generation of shooting stars.