Excitement Builds for India's Inaugural Shooting League
Introduction to the Shooting League of India
New Delhi, June 9: The announcement of the Shooting League of India (SLI) has generated significant excitement across the nation, with international competitors eager to engage in this innovative format of the sport. Numerous athletes, including Olympic medalists and renowned figures in shooting, have already shown interest in participating.
Mary Tucker's Enthusiasm for the League
Mary Tucker from the USA, who secured a silver medal in the mixed 10m air rifle team event at the Tokyo Olympics, shared her reasons for wanting to join the SLI. At just 23, she has previously competed for the University of Kentucky and West Virginia University in NCAA events and has played for Saltendorf in Germany's Bundesliga. She expressed her enjoyment of team competitions.
Tucker stated, “I was really drawn to apply for the Shooting League of India. I love leagues and have experience with both NCAA and Bundesliga. Competing in a team atmosphere with spectators cheering for us is exhilarating. The chance to have top athletes and juniors competing together is a fantastic opportunity for the growth of shooting sports in India and globally.”
Details of the Upcoming Season
The ISSF has designated the period from November 20 to December 2 for the inaugural season of the SLI, which will include mixed team events in various categories: pistol (10m, 25m), rifle (10m, 50m 3 positions), and shotgun (Trap & Skeet), as confirmed by the NRAI Technical Committee.
Tucker emphasized, “India is performing at a high level in shooting, making it a great opportunity for Indian athletes to compete internationally. For us, it’s equally beneficial to face off against top Indian shooters, which can help build a fan base and increase global interest in the sport.”
The Psychological Edge of Team Competitions
Mary also reflected on how her experience with various teams could provide her an edge in the league. She discussed the psychological aspects of representing a franchise, saying, “Athletes who have competed in NCAA or Bundesliga may have an advantage due to their familiarity with the pressures of team competition. Competing for a school or city creates a different dynamic, as you want to make your supporters proud and not let your teammates down.”
Personal Growth and Future Aspirations
On a personal note, Tucker believes that the league will not only enhance the sport's popularity in the USA and beyond but also improve her own skills. She remarked, “Traveling and training with high-level athletes will elevate my shooting. The league will present unique challenges that will help us adapt to different situations.”
She added, “Demonstrating that a professional league can exist with international athletes would be a significant milestone. While we have college teams, a professional league would showcase the global interest and highlight the success of US athletes, generating excitement ahead of the 2028 LA Olympics.”
Building Connections with Indian Shooters
During her visits, Tucker has connected with many Indian shooters and is eager to collaborate with them to enhance her skills. She mentioned, “I know several Indian shooters well, including Elavenil Valarivan, who I believe will gain a substantial following. I’m also friends with Anjum Moudgil, who brings valuable sports psychology insights. I’m excited to see how she promotes youth and mental health, and I would love to support her initiatives.”