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Shooting League of India: NRAI Announces First-Ever Franchise-Based LeagueThe National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has unveiled plans for the "Shooting League of India," the country's first-ever franchise-based league for the sport. The proposal, spearheaded by NRAI president Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, has been approved by the federation's governing body.The league's inaugural edition is scheduled for March, pending approval from the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). Deo expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that the recent success of Indian shooters at the Paris Olympics has fueled its popularity."We believe that this is the right moment to launch a league," Deo said. "Franchise leagues have proven successful in popularizing sports, attracting new audiences, and generating revenue for athletes."The league aims to enhance the sport's self-sustainability and provide a platform for athletes to showcase their skills. At the Paris Olympics, Indian shooters made history by winning three medals in a single sport for the first time.Deo acknowledged the challenges of adapting shooting for television, but expressed confidence in the league's format. "We have deliberated extensively and feel that we have arrived at a winning formula," he said.The league's launch is expected to further elevate the profile of shooting in India and provide a boost to the sport's development. It will also offer a unique opportunity for fans to engage with the sport and its athletes.

As the scorching Indian summer subsides, India's elite shooters embark on a crucial stage of their Olympic preparations at the ISSF World Cup (Pistol/Rifle) in Munich, Germany, commencing on Saturday.Despite the grueling month-long trials in New Delhi and Bhopal, several shooters initially expressed reluctance to participate in the World Cup, citing fatigue and a desire to focus on their Olympic preparations. However, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) made participation mandatory and reportedly resolved the contentious issue of personal coaches, paving the way for the Paris-bound marksmen to gauge their progress.The issue of personal coaches had been a major point of contention, with shooters seeking greater flexibility in their training arrangements. While the matter appears to have been temporarily resolved, many personal coaches will not accompany their wards to Munich due to the late notice.The World Cup will also serve as a litmus test for shooters who have displaced the original Paris quota winners in the national squad through a series of Olympic Selection Trials (OSTs). The federation will be keen to assess the performances of these shooters, including rookie Army man Sandeep Singh, who has emerged as a surprise contender in the 10m air rifle event.The NRAI faces a dilemma in selecting the Paris-bound team, as it must strictly adhere to its Olympic selection policy based on the OSTs. However, several Olympic quota winners who lost out to their compatriots during the trials have appealed to be considered for Paris, creating an unprecedented situation.The NRAI is expected to announce the Olympic contingent during the World Cup, a process that has been delayed. This delay has hindered shooters' ability to fine-tune their preparations, including critical ammunition testing.The World Cup in Munich provides an opportunity for shooters to connect with European manufacturers and test the ammunition they intend to use at the Olympics. The event will commence with men's and women's 10m air rifle, with the finals scheduled for Monday.