Maharashtra Launches Inaugural Shooting League to Boost Local Talent
Maharashtra's Historic Shooting League Debut
Maharashtra is poised to make history in the realm of Indian shooting with the first-ever Shooting League of Maharashtra (SLM), set to occur from April 17-19 at the Chhatraguj Nurses School in Pune. This event, organized by the Maharashtra Rifle Association (MRA), signifies a pivotal advancement in the implementation of the Shooting League of India (SLI) framework at the state level.
A Step Forward in National Shooting Framework
Following the successful launch of the Shooting League in Karnataka, the Maharashtra league represents a significant step in a nationwide strategy aimed at establishing a competitive league structure for the sport.
The introduction of state leagues is crucial to the long-term goals of the Shooting League of India, which aims to enhance competitive pathways, broaden the talent pool, and increase the sport's visibility, making it more engaging and accessible to a larger audience.
Innovative Competitive Format
In a groundbreaking move for Maharashtra, the SLM will adopt a team-based format featuring 18 district teams competing in 10m rifle and pistol events. A total of 144 athletes will represent their respective districts, fostering regional pride within a structured league that aligns with SLI's competitive philosophy.
The league will implement a dynamic match format designed to boost spectator engagement and simplify the sport for viewers, all while upholding high-performance standards.
Expert Guidance from Top Shooters
The inaugural league will also showcase the participation of some of India's top shooting talents. Renowned Olympians and coaches, including Rahi Sarnobat, Anjali Bhagwat, Suma Shirur, Deepali Deshpande, Tejaswini Sawant, and Rudranksh Patil, along with Coach Ronak Pandit, will serve as mentors, sharing their expertise to aid athlete development within the league.
Promoting Inclusivity in Competition
Emphasizing the meritocratic nature of the sport, the SLM will feature an inclusive format that allows mixed teams, ensuring equal opportunities for all competitors.
With participation from various districts across Maharashtra, the league aims to fortify the competitive foundation of shooting while creating a more visible and engaging platform that connects athletes with fans—an essential aspect of the broader vision for the Shooting League of India.
Teams and Participants in the Shooting League of Maharashtra 2026
Sobo Giants (Mumbai City)
Rifle: Bhakti Khamkar, Aditi Singh, Shriya Gole, Sara Wadke Pistol: Jaj Mandal, Het Patel, Prajna Kesarkar, Gazhla Naushad
Western Rangers (Mumbai Suburban)
Rifle: Nimesh Jadhav, Anshika Singh, Kaustubh Patil, Darshan Lohima Pistol: Yash Jawalkar, Geeta Mhaske, Anagh Ghosh, Niara Kedar
Rokhthok Thane (Thane)
Rifle: Arikta Singh, Swati Baudh, Dhruv Kinalekar, Dhairyashil Patil Pistol: Pravin Mishra, Siddhesh Thorat, Toshali Bhuta, Veyanka Daga
Aamhi Punekar (Pune)
Rifle: Medhavi Kudale, Sakshi Padeka, Simra Khan, Suhas Kumbhar Pistol: Prathmesh Kadam, Rajlaxmi Gore, Chetan Sapkal, Tejas Waghere
Rajdhani Satara (Satara)
Rifle: Asawari Melavane, Viraj Patil, Anushka Mangrule, Ritul Kundle Pistol: Shubham Kshirsagar, Janhavi Deshmukh, Sheetal Desai, Aditi Jadhav
Kolhapur Bisons (Kolhapur)
Rifle: Samiksha Patil, Sumedh Sasane, Atharva Patil, Dnyaneshwari Patil Pistol: Anurag Chougale, Pranjali Dhumal, Tejas Dhere, Abhidnya Patil
Raigad Warriors (Raigad)
Rifle: Parth Mane, Isha Taksale, Rahul Sharma, Divya Dhumal Pistol: Santosh Sawant, Janvi Manatkar, Sameedha Chavan, Priyanka Susvirkar
Sangli Alpha Lions (Sangli)
Rifle: Aditi Hadagal, Pratik Jong, Swara Magdum, Alphia Attar Pistol: Pranav Patil, Naeem Nardekar, Vaishnavi Raje, Viren Girigosavi
Nashik Nem-Baz (Nashik)
Rifle: Amruta Patil, Radhesh Pardeshi, Soha Inamdar, Komal Sahane Pistol: Suraj Datir, Radhika Mahale, Shraddha Jagtap, Sairaj Kankate
Golden Finger (Palghar)
Rifle: Mayuri Pawar, Aditri Bhatt, Gayatri Pedde, Arnav Parab Pistol: Vijay Satote, Shreem Pasad, Raajwardhan Patil, Nirbhai Girse
Solapuri Bramhasra (Solapur)
Rifle: Shraddha Divate, Kiran Rajmane, Payal Nandugade, Jagruti Chakote Pistol: Vaishnavi Tingare, Prathamesh Bansode, Yashraj Gujare, Vaishnavi Khatavkar
Ahilyanagar Lakshveer (Ahilyanagar)
Rifle: Abhishek Kamthe, Anvita Jadhav, Saumya Khedkar, Sneha Jangale Pistol: Rohit Wagh, Swamini Jejurkar, Rohit Wagh, Raunak Tokshiya
(Aurangabad Team - TBC)
Rifle: Rohan Jadhav, Parth Kulkarni, Dhanvi Sawaiwala, Radhika Sonwane Pistol: Krushnali Rajput, Shraddha Tale, Omkar Chavan, Harshvardhan Sirsath
Amravati Dhurandhar (Amravati)
Rifle: Ansh Kature, Shravani Shrirav, Savi Gulhane, Yash Veni Pistol: Tiya Loya, Harsh Bakal, Alvin Manu, Tanishka Deshmukh
Wardha Warriors (Wardha)
Rifle: Shawari Pakhale, Gauri Mane, Aishwarya Powar, Vinit Ghugal Pistol: Urja Kalekar, Shantanu Bhosale, Kasturi Gore, Atharva Pawade
Chandrapur Diamonds (Chandrapur)
Rifle: Prerana Morey, Avantika Shelke, Vedanti Bhatt, Krishna Shelke Pistol: Tosif Sayyed, Juily Dhapodkar, Gaurav Zende, Mahesh Ghadge
Nagpur Tigers (Nagpur)
Rifle: Samiksha Narsingkar, Kaiwalya Lande, Dharini Borade, Heemanshu Gabhane Pistol: Abhay Dhamale, Prerna Yadav, Parmesha Zade, Adnan Ali
Ratnagiri Shiledar (Ratnagiri)
Rifle: Yashika Shinde, Harsh Bagave, Nirzara Patil, Lakshya Indurkar Pistol: Swayam Desai, Rakesh Kadam, Sairaj Kate, Riya Kadam.
Conclusion
The Maharashtra Rifle Association is building on the success of previous state initiatives, and the Shooting League of Maharashtra represents a significant advancement in realizing the SLI vision. This initiative aims to create a cohesive structure that links grassroots participation, fan engagement, and elite competition within a unified ecosystem.