Inaugural Edition of Franchise-Based SLI Slated for November-December 2025
New Delhi, May 17 – The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has opened the door to foreign investment in the soon-to-be-launched Shooting League of India (SLI), a franchise-based event designed to boost the popularity and commercial viability of shooting sports in the country.NRAI President Kalikesh Singh Deo confirmed the association’s stance following a crucial governing council meeting. “We have started conversation with prospective franchises. I don’t see any reason why a foreign franchise can’t have a stake, subject to legal provisions,” he stated.
SLI to Feature 6–8 Franchises, International Talent, and Fast-Paced Format
Scheduled from November 24 to December 7, the inaugural SLI will feature six to eight city-based franchises that will acquire players through an auction. Each team will consist of 12 athletes — six men and six women — including up to four foreign players.The league will feature six events:
- Pistol: 10m and 25m
- Rifle: 10m and 50m 3-position (3P)
- Shotgun: Trap and Skeet
Boosting Viewership and Fan Engagement
Despite India housing over 95,000 registered shooters and contributing nearly half of the nation’s international shooting medals, the sport has struggled with limited viewership. Singh Deo emphasized that SLI will leverage advanced equipment, digital technologies, and social media platforms to increase its appeal.He hinted at collaborations with eSports and gamified experiences to engage younger audiences. “The challenge is to bring the sport to a mass audience. Innovative gaming tech and social platforms will help us achieve that,” he said.
A Model for Future Growth
SLI will initially be hosted at a single venue to manage costs, with Karni Singh Shooting Range in Delhi emerging as the top choice due to its infrastructure and franchise feedback. However, Singh Deo said the league could expand to other cities in the future based on financial and viewership success.He clarified that the SLI would remain independent of the national ranking system and would not be used to select teams for international competitions.
Focus on Inclusivity and Financial Sustainability
Each franchise will have a mix of elite international athletes, national champions, and junior shooters, aligning with NRAI’s vision to create a balanced and inclusive platform.While Singh Deo did not disclose the exact prize money, he assured it would surpass existing rewards in traditional formats, helping to attract top-tier talent. “The aim is to bring financial and commercial sustainability to the sport. Most of the earnings will be reinvested into the league to benefit players and enhance prize pools.”
With its unique team-based format, high-energy matches, and global participation, the Shooting League of India aspires to be a game-changer for Indian shooting sports over the next 5 to 10 years.
