New Delhi, 18 December (H.S.): The Shooting League of India (SLI) on Thursday announced the inclusion of the Uttar Pradesh-based franchise UP Prometheans for its upcoming inaugural season. The league’s first edition is scheduled to take place from February 16 to 26, 2026.

Welcoming the new franchise, National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo said in an official statement, “We are delighted to welcome UP Prometheans to the Shooting League of India family. Uttar Pradesh holds immense sporting potential, and the franchise’s education- and development-driven outlook makes it a valuable addition to the league.”

The owner of the UP Prometheans franchise is Mukesh Sharma, who is also the Founder and Chairperson of Prometheus School in Noida.

Speaking about the franchise, Singh Deo added, “Mukesh Sharma’s vision of creating opportunities through infrastructure and education aligns perfectly with SLI’s mission—to nurture talent, inspire youth, and elevate Indian shooting to the next level.”

At Prometheus School, shooting is introduced as a structured sport from Grade 5 (for students aged nine and above). The training focuses on enhancing technical skills, mental resilience, precision, and hand–eye coordination.

The campus also features an Olympic-standard indoor shooting range equipped with ten manual targets at 10 meters and one SIUS electronic target system, in addition to two electronic pistols and a rifle setup.

All training and operations are conducted strictly in accordance with ISSF regulations. Students are coached by certified trainers with active support from Khelo India and Sports Authority of India (SAI) talent experts. The school also regularly hosts workshops and seminars conducted by Arjuna Awardees and Olympians, giving young aspirants exposure to elite training methods and competitive insights.

Expressing his excitement over the franchise’s entry into the league, Mukesh Sharma said, “Shooting is among India’s strongest Olympic disciplines, and Uttar Pradesh possesses tremendous potential to contribute meaningfully to the sport. Through UP Prometheans, our mission is to provide athletes with a professional platform featuring world-class infrastructure, expert coaching, and meaningful competition. The Shooting League of India represents a transformative step in strengthening India’s shooting ecosystem, and we take immense pride in being part of its historic first season.”

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar