Olympic champion Giovanni Cernogoraz has voiced his strong support for the inaugural Shooting League of India (SLI), emphasizing its crucial role in the development of young shooters. The league is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from November 20 to December 2, 2025. Cernogoraz believes the SLI will serve as an invaluable platform where emerging shooters can learn and grow alongside seasoned veterans from both India and abroad.
The Shooting League of India is structured as a fast-paced, team-oriented competition, a format that Cernogoraz finds particularly appealing. He is set to participate in the league's player auction and is eager to experience this unique environment for the first time. He highlighted the league's potential to elevate the sport's visibility and influence, benefiting budding shooters, sponsors, and the media alike.
According to Cernogoraz, the SLI represents a "very interesting competition" and a "new format, very interesting and unique." As a seasoned athlete with a decorated career, including a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2023 ISSF World Championships, his enthusiasm for the SLI underscores its significance in the world of shooting sports. He noted that this will be his first experience in a league-style format, adding to his excitement.
The league aims to enhance the visibility of shooting among the general public and provide greater exposure for athletes. Many national and international stars are expected to participate, making it a highly competitive event. Cernogoraz also elaborated on the positive impact of the league's format, explaining how it can help junior athletes gain valuable experience by competing alongside top athletes from around the world and India.
Echoing Cernogoraz's sentiments, Olympian Arjun Babuta has also expressed his enthusiasm for the Shooting League of India, recognizing the unique concept introduced by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). With Indian shooters having secured three medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, there is a growing sense of anticipation for the league's potential to further boost the sport's popularity and success.
The Shooting League of India will feature events across rifle, pistol, and shotgun disciplines. The teams will consist of six men and women, with a maximum of four international shooters. To ensure balance, the shooters will be grouped into four tiers: elite champions, world elite, national champions, and junior and youth champions. A minimum of two Indian juniors (under 21) must be included in each team, and they are likely to be selected through an auction.
The inaugural edition of the Shooting League of India will be held from November 20 to December 2, with eight teams competing. The teams will be divided into two pools for the league stage, and the top two teams from each pool will advance to the knockouts. The matches are designed to be concise, lasting approximately 25-30 minutes.
The NRAI is keen on adopting a city-based franchise model, similar to popular leagues like the IPL, ISL, and PKL. Over 70 domestic and 40 international shooters have already signed up for the SLI, signaling strong interest in the league. The competition will follow a mixed-team format to enhance its appeal to broadcasters, and the NRAI is in discussions with OTT platforms to ensure wider reach.
