Shooting League Of India Delayed To Early 2026 As NRAI Prioritises Athletes, Calendar

The inaugural Shooting League of India (SLI) — a much-anticipated, franchise-based competition — has been postponed to early 2026, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) announced on Saturday.

The move, the federation said, is intended to align the new league with athlete schedules, prospective franchise readiness, broadcast partners and the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) calendar.

Originally slated for 20 November–2 December 2025, the SLI will now take place in the early months of next year; the NRAI has not yet confirmed specific dates.

Why the delay?

The NRAI framed the rescheduling as a pragmatic decision. “The schedule has been revised for better calendar alignment across ISSF, athletes, prospective franchises, and broadcast

partners,” the federation said in a statement. It added that the change will help deliver “an even more spectacular and seamless experience for athletes, franchises and fans.”

That rationale underlines a real complication in shooting: elite shooters and national federations plan competition blocks, ammunition testing, equipment checks and travel well ahead of time. Pulling a new tournament into a packed international season could have clashed with World Cups, World Championships and other qualifying events, potentially reducing the quality of the entry list.

Big interest already — and two franchises signed

SLI organisers have already attracted strong interest. Earlier this year NRAI said the league had drawn over 400 athletes from more than 20 countries, including the USA, Germany, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan and Australia — a sign that international shooters see commercial and competitive value in a franchise model.

Two franchises have officially come on board: Delhi and Mumbai. NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo met the franchise owners at the Worli Shooting Range in Mumbai to discuss team-building, athlete onboarding, marketing roll-outs and venue readiness.

“It was wonderful to meet the owners of our Mumbai and Delhi franchises. Everyone is excited to embark on this journey that will herald the future of Indian shooting… and we are confident it will lead in technological innovation and expand the sport’s popularity even further,” Kalikesh said.

Franchise voices: long-term vision

Owners are talking multi-year plans rather than short-term returns. Gaurav Agarwal, team principal of the Delhi franchise, said: “Shooting has brought so much glory to India… I see no reason why India will not become a global shooting hub in the next 10–15 years. Our goal is to provide shooters with year-round access to ranges, quality training, and consistent support so they can excel at the national and international level.”

Mumbai co-owner Zahir Hawa echoed the long view: “This is not a one- or two-year venture for us; we are looking at a 10-year horizon. We want to identify and nurture talent.”

Format and structure — a blend of stars and youth

The SLI is expected to feature 6–8 franchise teams split into two pools during the league stage. To balance elite experience with emerging talent, participants will be classified into four categories: Elite Champions, World Elite, National Champions, and Junior & Youth Champions. The format aims to mix marquee names with national and junior standouts — giving younger athletes exposure alongside seasoned professionals.

What the delay could deliver

Postponing until early 2026 gives organisers time to finalise broadcast agreements, firm up franchise commitments, and ensure compliance with safety and equipment rules that are particularly exacting in shooting sports. It also increases the odds that the league will secure top shooters who otherwise might skip an off-calendar event.

What’s next

With two franchises onboard and international interest confirmed, the NRAI now turns to finalising additional team owners, locking broadcast partners and publishing a definitive calendar. The federation says that in the coming weeks it will announce further details on team lists, player auctions or drafts, and exact dates for the inaugural season.

(with PTI inputs)