New Delhi, 23 October (Hindustan Reporter). India is going to get its first shooting franchise league soon, which is currently named Shooting League of India (SLI). This has been announced by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), the governing body of the Olympic Games in India.
The scheme, proposed by NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, has received approval from the governing body, the highest decision-making body of the association.
The first edition will be held in March 2025, after receiving approval from the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) and a deadline is being finalized.
Regarding the league, Singh Deo said, “The popularity of shooting has got a big boost after the spectacular performance in the recent Paris Olympics, and we felt it was the right time to start the league. We have seen that well-organized franchise leagues have not only boosted the popularity of the sport, but most importantly, they have also brought in new viewership and revenue for the sport and its athletes.”
He further added, “Shooting in its pure Olympic form and format is not considered suitable for television, however we have given it careful consideration and feel that we have achieved a successful format. All this is in the interest of the sport and its super athletes, who have consistently brought glory to the country on global platforms over the last few decades. They deserve it.”
NRAI General Secretary, K. Highlighting the basic outline of SLI, Sultan Singh said, “We want to make all 15 Olympic events a part of SLI, but we will innovate and change some of the formats to make them more exciting on television or live stream. We also want a unique ownership and team structure to attract new audiences and sponsors to the sport. “More details will be shared soon.”
India won three bronze medals from shooting at the recently concluded Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, accounting for half of the country's total medal tally. This was the first time India won three medals in any sport, and made shooting the country's most successful individual Olympic sport, with one gold, two silver and four bronze medals in the last two decades.
Among other historic achievements, India's first individual Olympic gold medal also came from shooting, when Abhinav Bindra won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and in Paris, Manu Bhaker became the first athlete from India to win a single in the same edition of any Olympics. Won more than 100 medals.
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