Says franchise-based league will boost global exposure, fan connect and competitive standards
Punjab Newsline, Sports Desk -
Former world No.1 pistol shooter and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awardee Jitu Rai has described the upcoming Shooting League of India (SLI) as the new face of shooting in the country, saying the league has the potential to significantly expand the sport’s reach while improving competitive standards among Indian shooters.
Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the UP Prometheans, a franchise in the SLI, Rai said the league will provide shooting with a strong platform to connect elite performances with a wider audience. According to him, the SLI will make the sport more visible, engaging and easier to understand for fans across India and abroad.
Rai noted that shooting, despite being one of India’s most successful Olympic sports, still lacks mass awareness within the country. He believes the league format will help bridge this gap by presenting the sport in a more accessible and transparent manner. He said the SLI will allow viewers, even those unfamiliar with shooting, to understand how the sport works, how shots are fired, and what techniques and facilities are involved.
Highlighting the importance of global exposure, Rai said the participation of international shooters will raise the overall standard of competition. He added that Indian shooters will benefit immensely by competing against world-class athletes on a regular basis, which will further sharpen their skills and mindset.
The former pistol ace expressed confidence that the SLI can serve as a launchpad for future champions. He said that increased motivation, better visibility and high-quality competition will inspire young talent and help produce world-class shooters from India in the years to come.
Rai also praised the infrastructure and facilities developed by the UP Prometheans, calling their high-performance shooting range one of the best he has seen. He said the presence of modern sporting facilities, including shooting ranges, badminton courts and swimming infrastructure, reflects a strong and well-planned sporting ecosystem.
According to Rai, such environments are crucial for the growth of shooting in India, especially as the country moves towards a professional, league-based structure like the SLI. He concluded by stating that initiatives like the Shooting League of India are exactly what the sport needs to grow stronger, more competitive and more popular at both national and international levels.