Shooting League of India Poised to Excite Fans and Athletes
Newz Daddy Sports Updates
Akhil Sheoran recently won bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions final at the 2025-26 National Championships
‘Shooting League of India can change how India connects with our sport,’ says Asian Games gold medallist Akhil Sheoran
With the Shooting League of India (SLI) set to introduce a franchise-based, mixed-team format to the sport, Indian rifle shooter and 2022 Asian Games gold medallist Akhil Sheoran believes the league could mark a turning point in how shooting is experienced—both by athletes and fans. For Sheoran, the league arrives at a moment when Indian rifle shooting is operating at its highest-ever competitive level.
Over the last decade, shooting has quietly become one of India’s most consistent Olympic sports. Indian shooters have won medals at the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships, helping the sport move out of niche circles. Yet, despite these results, shooting has largely stayed away from mainstream viewership. Leagues like SLI aim to change that by bringing structure, regular matches and fan-friendly formats, something that has worked well in sports such as cricket, kabaddi and badminton in India.
“The Shooting League can change the way people connect with our sport,” Sheoran said. “It has the potential to build a bridge between elite shooters and Indian sports fans, much like what we’ve seen with other sports leagues. With a clear schedule and broadcast platform, people can finally watch our performances, understand the sport better and cheer for us.”
For many years, shooting events were mostly seen only during big international competitions. Regular television exposure was rare, which made it hard for fans to follow athletes through the season. A league format helps solve this by showing shooters as people, not just scores. Fans can follow teams, learn rules slowly and understand the pressure behind every shot, making the sport easier to relate to.
Akhil caught up during the 2025-26 National Championships, where he won bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions final. He will also represent India in the same category at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championships, hosted by India in New Delhi from February 2-14, 2026.
The National Championships have grown tougher each year, with young shooters pushing experienced names. World-class scores are now common, showing how strong domestic competition has become. This depth is one reason Indian shooters are better prepared for international events, as they face high pressure even at home.
The mixed-team format, a central feature of the league, is something Sheoran is particularly looking forward to. Having competed in similar events internationally, he feels the team-centric structure will add a new layer of excitement to an otherwise individual sport.
“The mixed-team format is very interesting. You have specific roles to play with your partner, and that brings a different kind of pressure and energy. It pushes you to adapt while still sticking to your core routines,” he said.
Mixed-team shooting has already been part of major events like the Olympics and Asian Championships. These events test communication, trust and emotional control, skills that are just as important as technical accuracy. For fans, team events are often easier to follow, as the score moves faster and the drama builds with every relay.
For Sheoran, the league also fits seamlessly into a broader competitive ecosystem that has pushed Indian shooting to new heights. Reflecting on his recent bronze medal at the 2025 National Championships—an event that also saw a world-record score—he said the rising standard is a direct reflection of the depth in Indian shooting.
“This is definitely the most competitive era of rifle shooting in India,” he noted. “Performances at the Olympics, World Championships and Asian Games have raised the benchmark. That environment forces all of us to work harder mentally, physically and technically.”
Sports scientists and coaches agree that strong internal competition improves mental strength. Shooters now train with data analysis, fitness routines and mental conditioning, which were less common earlier. This professional approach has helped India close the gap with traditional shooting powers.
The league holds personal significance for Sheoran, who has staged a strong comeback after injury setbacks ruled him out of contention for the Paris Olympics. “That phase was extremely hurtful,” he admitted. “But I chose to move on, reset my mindset and focus on the LA 2028 cycle. I told myself I would work harder on every aspect—mental, physical and technical—and this season is about proving that to myself.”
Comebacks are common in shooting, where careers are long and experience matters. Many top shooters peak in their late twenties or early thirties, making patience and resilience key traits. Sheoran’s focus on long-term goals reflects a mature approach to elite sport.
Beyond individual preparation, Sheoran sees the Shooting League of India as a powerful mentorship platform. With franchises selecting athletes across multiple tiers — from youth to elite — the league creates an environment where experience and ambition intersect. “With the years we have spent in the sport, we can guide the younger shooters,” he said.
Young shooters often struggle with match pressure despite strong practice scores. Training alongside senior athletes helps them learn routines, recovery methods and mental balance. Such shared spaces can shorten learning curves and build confidence early.
Crucially, the league’s February window also aligns with Sheoran’s build-up towards the 2026 Asian Games. “The league will put us in high-pressure match situations early in the year,” he explained. “That’s the kind of preparation you need before heading into events like the World Championships and the Asian Games. It makes the Shooting League not just exciting, but an important step in the international season.”
As Indian shooting looks to the future, the Shooting League of India could become more than just a competition. For athletes like Akhil Sheoran, it represents growth, connection and a fresh way for the country to understand a sport that has quietly delivered excellence for years.