Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 10: The inaugural Shooting League of India (SLI) will take place from February 16 to 26, 2026, with the dates officially aligned to the ISSF calendar to ensure top global athletes can participate without scheduling conflicts. Designed as a franchise-based, league-style competition, the SLI aims to bring world-class shooting action to Indian fans while elevating the sport’s domestic profile.
NRAI president Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo hailed the launch as a milestone moment. “The SLI is a milestone for our sport—franchise-built, athlete-first, and aligned to the global calendar to maximise participation. With mixed-team formats, compelling storylines, and a premium broadcast, we’re set to deliver a world-class opening season that welcomes international stars and inspires India’s next generation,” he said.
NRAI secretary general Pawankumar Singh added that the league would deliver exciting, competitive matchups featuring top shooters from India and abroad. He said the event will offer young domestic athletes valuable exposure to elite competition, helping them prepare for future international championships while making the sport more accessible.
The league will feature mixed-team events across pistol (10m, 25m), rifle (10m, 50m 3P), and shotgun (trap, skeet) categories. Teams will be divided into two pools for the league stage before progressing to knockout rounds.
Players will be drafted across four tiers—Elite Champions, World Elite, National Champions, and Junior & Youth—ensuring teams have a balanced mix of global stars, India’s best shooters, and rising talents.
Shooting icons have also welcomed the initiative. Former World Champion Ronjan Sodhi said the league’s tighter formats and premium broadcast could turn technical precision into “must-watch sport.” Meanwhile, former World No. 1 and Khel Ratna awardee Anjali Bhagwat noted that the platform will allow juniors and national champions to compete alongside international athletes, setting new benchmarks and inspiring the next generation.
With its innovative format and protected competition window, the SLI is poised to transform how shooting is played, viewed, and celebrated in India.