UP Prometheans Join the Shooting League of India: A New Era for Shooting Sports
Introduction of UP Prometheans in the Shooting League
Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 12: The Shooting League of India (SLI) celebrated a significant development with the introduction of UP Prometheans as its latest franchise, which was officially launched on Monday at the Prometheus School Shooting Range in Noida.
The event featured a live shooting demonstration, allowing administrators, Olympians, and other key figures to explore the advanced 10-metre range and personally experience the facility. Young shooters practiced across various lanes, showcasing the extensive infrastructure and grassroots initiatives emerging in Uttar Pradesh, according to a statement from SLI.
Attendees included prominent figures from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), such as Kalikesh Singh Deo, President; Pawan Kumar Singh, Secretary General; and K Sultan Singh, Vice President, along with Mukesh Sharma, the Franchise Owner of UP Prometheans.
Notable athletes present included Padma Shri and Khel Ratna awardee Jitu Rai, Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awardee Ronjan Sodhi, Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Mansher Singh, Arjuna Awardee Moraad Ali Khan, and Asian Games gold medallist Akhil Sheoran.
The entry of UP Prometheans signifies a long-term dedication to enhancing the shooting landscape in Uttar Pradesh through systematic talent scouting, access to top-notch facilities, and ongoing athlete development, as stated in the release.
Mukesh Sharma, the Franchise Owner, expressed, “For us, UP Prometheans is not merely about owning a team; it’s about making a meaningful and lasting contribution to an Olympic sport. Shooting has always been one of India’s strongest medal hopes, and we believe this is the right sport to invest in with genuine commitment.”
“Through our Mission Olympics at Prometheus School, we have cultivated an environment where sports are taken seriously from a young age, supported by a world-class, international-standard 10-metre shooting range. Witnessing six of our students—Siya Marwah, Vaivaswat Vijay Singh Deo, Siana Monga, Sidhaan Gandhi, Ayaana Chinaria, and Aarish Goel—competing at the national level validates the potential of the right ecosystem. We firmly believe in the vision of the Shooting League of India and its capacity to motivate the next generation of Indian shooters,” he added.
Kalikesh Singh Deo, President of NRAI, welcomed the new franchise, stating, “For Indian shooting to consistently contend for Olympic medals, talent must be paired with robust institutions, modern infrastructure, scientific training methods, and long-term private investment. Sharma’s commitment through UP Prometheans and the Shooting League of India embodies this approach. The league aims to be a modern, team-oriented, and broadcast-friendly platform that enhances the sport's visibility and engagement, while franchises like UP Prometheans are crucial in fostering a sustainable ecosystem beyond competition by nurturing talent and expanding audiences.”
“What we observed at the Prometheus campus today highlights a serious, structured investment in the sport's future, providing young athletes from schools and smaller towns with the confidence and facilities to train at world-class standards and aspire for greater achievements,” he concluded.
The launch also emphasized Uttar Pradesh's rich shooting legacy, having produced numerous national and international champions over the years, including Jitu Rai, Anisa Sayyed, Prashant Kumar, Ravi Kumar, Vijayveer Sidhu, and Akhil Sheoran, showcasing the region's depth of talent.