The National Rifle Association of India began its 75th anniversary celebrations in New Delhi on 27 April 2026. Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led the event with senior officials and athletes. The programme also promoted the Shooting League of India and NRAI's long-term roadmap.
NRAI unveiled a special 75-year commemorative logo to mark the milestone. The body also announced a nationwide grassroots drive. It targets 7,50,000 school and college students before the 2028 Olympics through a simple '10-shot experience' at centres across many states and districts.
The federation will work with partners including the Central Board of Secondary Education, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, universities, school boards, and State Associations. The plan
aims to build awareness and early participation. Officials hope the programme will help identify and inspire future Indian shooters from diverse regions.
NRAI Athlete App
The event featured the launch of the NRAI Athlete App. Officials said it makes NRAI India's first fully digitised sports federation. The app will handle onboarding and registration of 7,50,000 youth, issue certificates, store records, and track performances of elite and international shooters in one online space.
NRAI also presented a 75-year logo memento to Dr. Mandaviya. He said, "As the NRAI celebrates 75 remarkable years, it is encouraging to see Indian shooting embrace innovation and a long-term vision through initiatives like the Athlete App, grassroots outreach to 7.5 lakh youth, and the upcoming Shooting League of India.
He added, "These efforts will help identify talent, strengthen our sporting ecosystem, and create greater opportunities for athletes. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has shown immense growth in sports, and with the right planning, integration, and commitment, we can emerge as one of the world's leading sporting nations in the years ahead. "
NRAI President Mr. Kalikesh Singh Deo said, "As we celebrate 75 remarkable years of the NRAI, this milestone is not only about reflecting on our legacy but also about shaping the future of Indian shooting. Our vision is to make the sport more accessible, aspirational, and engaging for the next generation.
He continued, "Through nationwide grassroots initiatives, the launch of the NRAI Athlete App, and the continued momentum of the Shooting League of India, we are laying the foundation for a stronger and more inclusive ecosystem for the sport in India. "
NRAI Secretary General Mr. Pawankumar Singh said, "The 75th anniversary celebrations are a landmark moment for Indian shooting, and this year-long programme reflects the scale of our ambition. From introducing 7,50,000 young students to the sport before the 2028 Olympics through the '10-shot experience' to leveraging technology through the Athlete App and creating new opportunities for athletes through the Shooting League of India, we are focused on building robust pathways for talent identification, athlete development, and greater fan engagement. "
Top shooters attended, including star pistol shooter and two-time Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker. She said, "The NRAI has played a huge role in shaping Indian shooting over the last 75 years, and I'm proud to be part of this journey. Initiatives like introducing 7,50,000 young students to the sport and launching the Athlete App show that Indian shooting is thinking boldly for the future.
She added, "The more accessible we make the sport at the grassroots level, the stronger our talent pipeline will become. I'm excited to see how these efforts inspire the next generation of champions. "
Shooting League of India
The event underlined plans for the Shooting League of India, billed as India's first franchise-based professional shooting league. Organisers said the league will make the sport more fan-facing and engaging. The SLI logo is already out, and the league is a key part of NRAI's push to reach wider audiences.
Guests watched a teaser of the upcoming SLI. The video presented the franchise-based, team format and its focus on spectators and fans. The teaser stressed the attempt to build a mainstream, spectator-friendly property and sustain interest around the league's expected launch.
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