- विज्ञापन -
With the inaugural edition of the Shooting League of India just a few months away, Indian athletes eagerly look forward to the unique concept introduced by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) to build on the sport’s rising popularity and recent success.
Indian shooters brought home three medals from the 2024 Paris Olympics, a testament to the country’s growing depth in the sport. This momentum was further bolstered recently when Arjun Babuta and Arya Borse clinched the gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the ISSF World Cup (Rifle/Pistol)–a significant achievement reflecting India’s consistent excellence on the global stage.
Olympian Arjun Babuta believes the league will add more momentum to the sport’s upward trajectory and explained the athletes’ enthusiasm for this format.
“Everyone has a lot of expectations, and all of our imaginations are working. In my opinion, we have not been as excited for any international tournament as we are for this league. I think an event like this will further facilitate the growth of the sport across various levels. The game will get the recognition it deserves. Now we are just waiting for the next steps, and how this moves forward,” the 26-year-old said, as quoted from a press release by SLI.
Babuta, known for his composed mindset and work ethic, added, “Definitely, if such a mindset can help motivate you to channelise your skills more positively, then it’s good. But I am someone who believes in focusing on the task at hand, on my karma, so that whatever happens takes place because of my hard work. I don’t approach anything with the expectation of a result. I enjoy shooting, so I stay focused on that; other variables do not affect my mindset, but if it helps someone else perform better, then why not?”
While shooting is predominantly an individual sport, the franchise-based format will offer athletes the experience of competing in a team environment–an exciting challenge for many. Babuta, however, is no stranger to team-based competition, having represented SV Pfeil e.V. Vohringen in Germany’s prestigious Bundesliga.
“I have participated in a team in Germany’s Bundesliga league for shooting, and I am familiar with how that system operates. It is very exciting, and there are a lot of different and interesting challenges. It will be a very good experience, in my opinion, and everyone would also gain a new perspective. There is not a lot of pressure, and you can enjoy the game as well. You can make it entertaining for the viewers. So, a lot of growth is evident from this initiative led by NRAI,” the Punjab athlete said.
The ISSF has allocated the window between 20 November and 2 December for the first season of the Shooting League of India. As approved by the NRAI Technical Committee, the tournament will feature mixed team events across pistol (10m, 25m), rifle (10m, 50m, 3 positions), and shotgun (Trap and Skeet).
Babuta believes the league will help sharpen competitive skills and allow the public to connect more deeply with athletes as individuals.
