Shooting League of India:
Will help me learn and appreciate the sport: National Championship silver medalist Neeraj Kumar
Dr. Shrikrishna Sharma
New Delhi. Shooter Neeraj Kumar’s journey from a small border town in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district is a testament to the resilience required in this elite sport. His impressive performance at the recent 68th National Shooting Championship in Bhopal, winning a silver medal in the men’s 50m 3P category, prompted him to reflect on his professional journey and the changing landscape of the sport with the launch of the Shooting League of India (SLI). Starting his journey with the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in 2014, Kumar overcame significant financial challenges. He spent years convincing his parents to support his shooting career. However, his selection for the Indian Navy proved to be a turning point, solidifying his family’s support for his dreams. Neeraj Kumar believes that the SLI will not allow the new generation to face such difficulties. This league will give parents the confidence to consider shooting as a safe and secure career for their children. Families often encourage their children to pursue a sport after seeing successful examples in it. The Shooting League of India will help set those examples for the public. Viewers will enjoy this format and begin to recognize the future opportunities in this sport, Neeraj Kumar said. He added, “Usually, our audience is limited to those who already understand or practice shooting. However, with the league being broadcast, more viewers will have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the sport.”
A key aspect for Neeraj Kumar is the league’s potential to connect domestic athletes with international legends. He expressed excitement at the prospect of training and competing with global icons, particularly mentioning Hungarian World Champion Istvan Peni and Indian teammate Kiran Jadhav. “I’m excited to shoot with Hungarian athlete Istvan Peni and my Indian teammate Kiran Jadhav. It would be even better if we were on the same team,” Kumar said, praising his recent national success and preparations for the podium finish. “I didn’t follow any specific routine for the National Championships. However, the infrastructure at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, where I train, is excellent. We are provided with hostel accommodation and three meals a day. Furthermore, we receive ammunition for training, which is a big advantage.” Despite the stiff competition among Indian shooters at both the national and international levels, Kumar said athletes maintain a clear distinction between professional rivalry and personal friendship by focusing on their individual performance.
He said, “Since shooting is an individual sport, and we have to stay in our lane, focus on our target, and fight within ourselves, we don’t pay much attention to each other. This is a positive aspect of our game.” He added, “So we meet, talk to each other, and hang out. Everything is fine. There’s no negativity at the range.”
Preparing for the 2026 season, Kumar is focused on his primary goal of winning an Olympic medal. He sees the Shooting League of India not just as a tournament, but as a high-stakes ecosystem that will help every athlete improve their performance and also garner spectator support for the sport. (Sports Editor)
