India is officially preparing for a revolution in sports. Finally, attention is turning to one of India’s most prestigious but little-watched Olympic sports with the debut of the Shooting League of India (SLI), the nation’s first professional, franchise-based shooting league.
Supported by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) and the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), SLI is prepared to take the field in November.
This league is a total reinvention rather than merely a competition, unlike anything Indian audiences have ever seen. The SLI aims to popularise Olympic-level shooting by fusing top-tier athletic performance with television-ready formats for both shooters and spectators.
What’s New?
In mixed-team events spanning a variety of Olympic disciplines, including 10M Air Pistol and 10M Rifle to Trap, Skeet, and 50M Rifle 3 Positions, six to eight city-based teams, full of Indian and international stars, will compete against one another.
Each squad will have 12 shooters (6 men and 6 women), including junior U-21 talent and international players, guaranteeing youth development and worldwide exposure.
The SLI, which takes place over 11 days (November 20–December 2, 2025), guarantees that players will only play for three to four match days, allowing for both intensity and recuperation. This format is designed to maximise performance and viewer engagement.
An Opportunity League
SLI’s player-first ecosystem is what makes it unique.
- Fully covered participation costs, including travel, lodging, and logistics;
- Structured contracts and tournament fees ranging from EUR 5,000 to EUR 10,000, contingent on auction bids.
- An auction-based selection procedure that ensures equitable gender representation while introducing drama and transparency akin to the IPL model. a vision of the future that combines traditional formats with virtual shooting competitions.
For players, it’s a unique combination of worldwide exposure, career advancement, and financial security. For spectators, it offers a front-row seat to fast-paced, accurate shooting with all the sophistication of a major league.
Taking a Chance on a World Stage
Although SLI isn’t exactly an ISSF tournament, it does have official support and has even been granted reserved dates on the ISSF calendar. It is evident that the world shooting community is keeping an eye on and supporting India’s daring new move.
The SLI is aiming to engage young people and reach a global audience thanks to a strong marketing engine that includes influencer partnerships, social media buzz, and creative digital broadcasting. Consider esports integration, live streaming, highlights, and behind-the-scenes material.
There is more to the Shooting League of India than just competitions and medals. It’s about changing the country’s perception of shooting from a solitary, elite activity to a dynamic, approachable, and lucrative sport. It’s about giving current stars the platform they deserve and laying the groundwork for future champions.
