Karnataka's new franchise-based Shooting League set for competitive debut

The Shooting League of Karnataka makes its debut with a franchise-based format featuring 8 teams and 136 registered shooters. The league, under the SLI, aims to provide exposure and competitive opportunities to shooters across the state.

Karnataka Launches New Franchise-Based Shooting League

The Shooting League of Karnataka is set to make its competitive debut with a franchise-based format aimed at providing exposure and competitive opportunities to shooters across the state. With 136 shooters registering for the event, the league marks a significant step in strengthening Karnataka's shooting ecosystem.

Taking place under the aegis of the Shooting League of India (SLI), the league calendar began with the Team Owners' Auction on February 12, followed by a Players' Auction on February 17. Qualification rounds for the League are scheduled for February 28, with the Semi-Finals and Finals to be held on 1st March. The participating franchises include Calibre Capitals, Trigger Action, Bangalore Brigade, Redrum, Mangalore Raptors, Top Guns, Sniper Squad and Hubballi Shooting Star.

Format and Disciplines

Featuring the eight teams in a mixed-team format, each side will have 11 players across events. A key participation rule mandates that every team member must compete in at least one qualification match, ensuring broader involvement. Like the SLI, the Shooting League of Karnataka will showcase events across multiple disciplines, including 10m Air Pistol (Men and Women), 10m Air Rifle (Men and Women), 25m Pistol, 50m Rifle, Trap and Skeet. The League will follow an SLI format, which will be shorter and tighter than the regular ISSF Rules.

Player Auction Highlights

Out of 136 registered players, eight were international athletes -- all from Karnataka -- underlining the depth of talent within the state. Eight franchises secured 88 shooters at the auction, with each team assigned a virtual budget of Rs 1.75 Crores. The highest bids at the auction were for Krutharth Devang Savyasachi (Virtual Rs 44,00,000, Bangalore Brigade), Anushka H Thokur (Virtual Rs 43,00,000, Bangalore Brigade), Mamit Gowda (Virtual Rs 42,00,000, Mangalore Raptors), Nawabzada M.D. Omar Bin Jung (Virtual Rs 41,00,000, Hubballi Shooting Star) and Shravan M Shashidhar (Virtual Rs 35,00,000, Top Guns).

By combining a structured league format, athlete participation mandates and competitive bidding, the Shooting League of Karnataka aims to create a sustainable pathway for shooters while elevating the sport's visibility and value within the state.

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