Maharashtra is set to host the inaugural Shooting League of Maharashtra (SLM) from April 17 to 19 at the Chhatraguj Nurses School in Pune, marking a significant development for the sport in the state.
Organised by the Maharashtra Rifle Association (MRA), the league is part of a broader effort to establish a structured competitive ecosystem aligned with the Shooting League of India (SLI). The initiative follows the recent rollout of a similar league in Karnataka and is part of a phased national expansion strategy.
Officials stated that state-level leagues are central to the long-term vision of the Shooting League of India, aimed at strengthening the competitive pathway, expanding the talent pool, and increasing the sport’s visibility. The format is also designed to make shooting more accessible and engaging for spectators.
The SLM will feature a team-based format for the first time in Maharashtra, with 18 district teams competing in 10m rifle and pistol events. A total of 144 athletes will represent their respective districts, bringing regional identity into a structured league format.
The competition will follow a shorter and more dynamic match structure, in line with the SLI blueprint, to enhance spectator engagement while maintaining performance standards.
The inaugural edition will include the presence of several prominent names in Indian shooting. Olympians and elite coaches such as Rahi Sarnobat, Anjali Bhagwat, Suma Shirur, Deepali Deshpande, Tejaswini Sawant, Rudranksh Patil, and coach Ronak Pandit will serve as mentors, contributing to athlete development within the league.
The league will adopt an inclusive format with no gender-based restrictions, allowing mixed teams and reinforcing equal opportunity in competition.
Participation from districts across Maharashtra is expected to strengthen the sport’s grassroots base while also creating a platform that connects athletes with fans. Organisers said the league aims to integrate grassroots participation, fan engagement, and elite competition within a single ecosystem.
Teams and shooters
The participating teams include Sobo Giants (Mumbai City), Western Rangers (Mumbai Suburban), Rokhthok Thane (Thane), Aamhi Punekar (Pune), Rajdhani Satara (Satara), Kolhapur Bisons (Kolhapur), Raigad Warriors (Raigad), Sangli Alpha Lions (Sangli), Nashik Nem-Baz (Nashik), Golden Finger (Palghar), Solapuri Bramhasra (Solapur), Ahilyanagar Lakshveer (Ahilyanagar), Amravati Dhurandhar (Amravati), Wardha Warriors (Wardha), Chandrapur Diamonds (Chandrapur), Nagpur Tigers (Nagpur), and Ratnagiri Shiledar (Ratnagiri). The Aurangabad team is yet to be confirmed.
Each team will field athletes across rifle and pistol categories, with representation drawn from across districts to ensure a competitive and inclusive structure.
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