NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF INDIA (NRAI) and the Shooting League of India (SLI) have announced a strategic realignment of the league’s inaugural season, with the competition now set to be staged later this year.
The decision is aimed at strengthening the league’s long-term positioning, enhancing broadcast impact and improving the overall fan experience. The move follows detailed consultations with key stakeholders, including broadcast partners and franchise owners, per the media release.
The revised timeline will also allow the league to align more effectively with the international shooting calendar. The earlier schedule would have seen the league launch ahead of major multi-sport events this year, including the Asian Games. In the interim, the SLI is working with specialist third-party partners to further refine the broadcast product and ensure a seamless viewing experience.
In parallel, the league is engaging closely with state associations to broaden the sport’s base, with a focus on inclusive talent development and infrastructure across the country. The extended preparation window will also enable franchises to roll out structured city-level activations, school outreach initiatives, community programmes and supporter clubs, helping build a strong fan base even before the league gets underway.
NRAI president Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo said, “Our priority is to give our athletes the biggest stage possible. By realigning the season, we are creating a dedicated window where Shooting League of India gets the maximum eyeballs on television. This shift allows us to welcome our shooters back from key events as stars, giving them the spotlight they deserve while ensuring the league product is technically perfect. Also, this additional preparation period enables us to move from alpha testing to broadcast perfection. Our objective is to deliver a flawless, world-class viewer experience from the very first shot.
NRAI secretary general Pawankumar Singh added, “We are taking this opportunity to strengthen the league’s foundation. We are actively engaging with state stakeholders to ensure the SLI benefits the sport at the grassroots level. At the same time, we are working with technical experts to refine the last few elements so that we build a sustainable, high-quality ecosystem that entertains fans for years to come.”
