Shooting League Of India Poised To Transform Fan Engagement: Akhil Sheoran |

Updated: January 09, 2026 00:59

Image Source : Telangana Today

Asian Games gold medallist Akhil Sheoran believes the upcoming Shooting League of India (SLI) will revolutionize how India connects with shooting. With a franchise-based, mixed-team format, the league aims to boost fan engagement, mentor young talent, and prepare athletes for high-pressure competitions, marking a turning point for the sport.

The Shooting League of India (SLI), set to debut in 2026, is being hailed as a game-changer for Indian shooting. Akhil Sheoran, who won gold at the 2022 Asian Games, expressed confidence that the league will not only elevate the sport’s visibility but also bridge the gap between shooters and fans. He emphasized that the franchise model and mixed-team format will bring fresh energy to a discipline traditionally seen as individual-focused.

Key highlights from the announcement include

The Shooting League of India will adopt a franchise-based, mixed-team format, similar to popular leagues in cricket and kabaddi.
Akhil Sheoran believes the league will transform fan engagement, making shooting more accessible and entertaining.
The format introduces team dynamics into shooting, adding excitement and strategy to competitions.
SLI is expected to serve as a mentorship platform, giving younger shooters exposure to elite athletes.
The league will provide high-pressure match environments, preparing Indian shooters for major international events like the Asian Games and Olympics.
Sheoran, targeting the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics after recovering from injury, sees SLI as crucial for building competitive resilience.
Industry experts note that the timing aligns with India’s strongest-ever phase in rifle shooting, with multiple athletes performing at world-class levels.
The February launch window is expected to attract significant attention from fans and sponsors, positioning shooting as a mainstream sport.

The introduction of SLI reflects India’s broader push to diversify its sporting ecosystem beyond cricket. By combining entertainment with competitive rigor, the league could redefine shooting’s place in Indian sports culture. For athletes like Akhil Sheoran, it represents both an opportunity to inspire the next generation and a platform to showcase the sport’s intensity to a wider audience.

Sources: Lokmat Times, NewKerala, Telangana Today

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