New Delhi, 27 April (H.S.):

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya attended the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI)’s historic 75th‑year anniversary ceremony in New Delhi, where he also inaugurated the federation’s new Athlete App and a major nationwide grassroots outreach programme. The event, which drew senior dignitaries and top Indian shooters, marked the launch of the NRAI’s roadmap for the growth of shooting sports in India, including the upcoming Shooting League of India (SLI).

The NRAI unveiled a special 75‑year commemorative emblem, symbolising over seven decades of excellence, discipline and achievement in Indian shooting. The Minister highlighted that 75 years of successful development and talent nurturing in the sport have been truly inspiring. He also spoke of the Athlete App, the grassroots initiative targeting 7.5 lakh youth, and the Shooting League as key steps towards finding new talent, strengthening the sports ecosystem and creating more opportunities for athletes. Emphasising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Mandaviya said that with proper planning and commitment, India can emerge among the world’s leading sporting nations.

As part of the anniversary programme, the NRAI announced a large‑scale grassroots campaign aimed at introducing 7,50,000 school and college students to shooting through a “10‑shot experience” before the 2028 Olympics. The initiative will be implemented in coordination with the Central Board of Secondary Education, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, universities, state school boards and state rifle associations. The goal is to raise awareness at the ground level and ensure wider participation, so that the next generation of Indian shooters can be identified and inspired.

A key highlight of the event was the official launch of the NRAI Athlete App, a modern digital platform that makes the NRAI India’s first fully digitalised sports federation. The app will serve as an integrated hub for athlete registration, onboarding the 7.5‑lakh‑student cohort, issuing certificates, maintaining records and monitoring the performance of elite and international‑level shooters.

The occasion also showcased the Shooting League of India (SLI), which is set to become India’s first franchise‑based professional shooting league. SLI aims to make the sport more popular, spectator‑friendly and media‑oriented, blending high‑precision competition with entertainment to attract a broader fan base. A special promotional video highlighted the league’s innovative format and its strategy to draw in audiences and sponsors, signalling a new era for Olympic‑style shooting in India.

NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo called the 75‑year milestone not just a moment to look back at history, but an opportunity to shape the future of Indian shooting. He stressed that the target is to make the sport more accessible, motivating and attractive to the next generation. General Secretary Pawan Kumar Singh added that the focus is on linking the grassroots drive, technological tools like the Athlete App and the Shooting League to build robust pathways for talent identification and athlete development.

Among the athletes present was two‑time Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, who commended the NRAI for giving Indian shooting a new identity. She said that initiatives to connect youth with the sport and the launch of an Athlete App will help prepare future champions.

With its 75‑year legacy, the NRAI has now set a clear, forward‑looking agenda—combining technology, mass participation and professional‑league structure to push Indian shooting towards a brighter and more competitive future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar