NRAI and SLI Adjust Inaugural Shooting League Schedule for Enhanced Experience

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and the Shooting League of India (SLI) have announced a postponement of the inaugural shooting league season to later this year. This strategic decision aims to enhance the league's long-term viability and improve the overall fan experience. By aligning with the international shooting calendar and utilizing the delay for technical enhancements, the league seeks to create a world-class viewing experience. NRAI leadership emphasizes the importance of providing athletes with a significant platform while ensuring grassroots engagement across the country. Read on to learn more about the exciting developments in Indian shooting.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 5, 2026, 10:47 IST

Rescheduling the Shooting League

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) along with the Shooting League of India (SLI) has decided to postpone the inaugural season of the league, now set to occur later this year. This strategic adjustment aims to enhance the league's long-term viability, improve broadcast reach, and elevate the overall experience for fans. The league is positioned to become a premier celebration of Indian shooting, leveraging the anticipated sporting excitement from significant international competitions in 2026 and beyond, according to a press release from the NRAI.

Reasons Behind the Postponement

Originally, the inaugural season was scheduled from February 16 to 26 in Delhi, featuring top shooters competing in a franchise-based format. This decision followed extensive discussions with key stakeholders, including broadcast partners and franchises. The new timeline will allow the league to better align with the international shooting calendar, as the initial launch would have occurred just before major multi-sport events like the Asian Games, where Indian shooters are expected to excel.

Maximizing the Delay for Improvements

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Insights from NRAI Leadership

NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo emphasized, "Our main goal is to provide our athletes with the largest platform possible. By adjusting the season, we are creating a dedicated window that maximizes television viewership for the Shooting League of India. This change allows us to showcase our shooters as stars returning from significant events, giving them the recognition they deserve while ensuring the league's technical quality is top-notch."

"This extra preparation time also enables us to transition from initial testing to achieving broadcast excellence. Our aim is to offer a flawless, world-class viewing experience from the very first shot," he added.

NRAI Secretary General Pawankumar Singh remarked, "We are seizing this opportunity to fortify the league's foundation. We are engaging with state stakeholders to ensure that the SLI positively impacts the sport at the grassroots level. Concurrently, we are collaborating with technical experts to refine the final elements, establishing a sustainable, high-quality ecosystem that will entertain fans for years to come."