Shooting League of India: Over 400 Athletes Register For Inaugural Season

The Shooting League of India (SLI), the country’s first-ever franchise-based shooting competition launched by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), is already drawing remarkable global attention months before its debut. With over 400 athletes from around the world having registered, the league is poised to become a game-changer for the sport.

Shooters from 21 countries — including India, Kazakhstan, Russia, Iran, Hungary, Croatia, Azerbaijan, the United Kingdom, Australia, Grenada, Italy, Austria, Serbia, the USA, Spain, Thailand, Germany, Czech Republic, Norway, San Marino, and Romania — have signed up, reflecting the scale and ambition of the league.

The registration window will remain open until mid-July 2025, and more entries are expected in the coming weeks.

Expressing his delight at the overwhelming response, NRAI President Shri Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo said, “We are truly delighted by the number of registrations we have received. It’s a strong validation of our vision for the Shooting League of India. Our aim has always been to create a world-class platform that celebrates talent, promotes healthy competition, and inspires the next generation of shooters.”

The inaugural season of the SLI will be held between 20 November and 2 December 2025, featuring a unique format that combines both traditional values and modern sporting appeal. The competition will host mixed team events across pistol (10m and 25m), rifle (10m and 50m three positions), and shotgun (Trap and Skeet) disciplines — a format finalized by the NRAI Technical Committee to ensure maximum engagement for both athletes and spectators.

At least six teams are expected to take part in the first edition. These teams will be split into two pools for the league stage, promising a high-octane start to the competition.

To ensure a balanced and competitive setup, athletes will be drafted into four categories: Elite Champions, World Elite, National Champions, and Junior & Youth Champions. This tiered grouping is designed to blend experience with emerging talent, offering a holistic showcase of shooting excellence.

As anticipation builds, the Shooting League of India is not just shaping up to be a breakthrough in the domestic circuit but also a major global sporting event that redefines the way shooting is presented and consumed. With star athletes, international flavour, and a dynamic format, the league promises to put Indian shooting on a global pedestal like never before.