By Rohit Mitra
New Delhi, Jan 15 (.) 2022 Asian Games gold medalist Akhil Sheoran feels that shooting is a television friendly game and the upcoming Shooting League of India (SLI) will significantly accentuate the sport’s popularity in the country.
Speaking to . on the sidelines of the launch event of the UP Prometheans franchise, Sheoran disagreed with the notion that shooting is not a TV friendly sport.
“I think shooting as a sports is TV friendly, but as it is not covered on TV regularly, people raise doubts. Once it is covered by TV it would be exciting to watch, and that is how it is being planned.”
The 30 year old rifle shooter said a shooting league is essential to sustain the interest of the public in the sport and to bring it to the centrestage of the country’s sporting ecosystem.
“The league will educate the people about shooting, make people aware about the rules, formats etc so that there is a greater appreciation for the game.
“When our players win medals at the international tournaments people get excited about it, but that enthusiasm fizzles away after a few days. However, because of the league, the enthusiasm will be sustained.”
UP Prometheans will be one of the franchises competing at the upcoming Shooting League of India(SLI).
The SLI is backed by both International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) and National Rifle Association of India(NRAI). The dates of the league will be announced soon.
Speaking about his journey in Shooting, Akhil, a native of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, recalled how Abhinav Bindra’s Beijing Olympics Gold medal inspired him to passionately take up the sport.
“There was a shooting range in my school- Godvin Public school. My initial motivation was to get a government job, but when Abhinav Bindra clinched the Gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, that became my inspiration. Till 2011, I trained in Meerut, after which I shifted to Delhi. I played my first international tournament in 2012.”
Akhil also idolises ace shooter Gagan Narang. “I have followed him a lot, and try to copy him. What I admire about him is that he used to compete in every rifle event be it 50 metre, 10 metre etc. In the Commonwealth Games he has won eight gold medal And today he is the vice president of the Indian Olympic Association.”
Akhil, who is also a gold medalist at the Asian Shooting Championships 2024 in the men’s 50m 3 positions, is all geared up for the important upcoming tournaments.
“After the league, there will be the Asian Games, after which the World championship will take place in October- that will offer an Olympics quota. We will have more time for preparation if we qualify sooner,” he added.
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