New Delhi, April 27, 2026 — Founded in 1951, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) kicked off its 75th anniversary celebrations in New Delhi in the presence of Hon’ble Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, senior officials, and elite athletes including two-time Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker.
Key Announcements
- 75-Year Commemorative Logo: Unveiled to mark seven and a half decades of Indian shooting across NRAI’s network of 53 affiliated State Associations and Units.
- 7,50,000 Youth Grassroots Outreach: A nationwide ‘10-shot experience’ introducing 7,50,000 school and college students to shooting prior to the 2028 Olympic Games, rolled out with CBSE, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), universities, school boards, and State Associations.
- NRAI Athlete App: Positions NRAI as India’s first fully digitised sports federation — handling onboarding and registration for the 7,50,000 grassroots participants, certificate issuance, athlete records, and performance tracking for international competitors.
- Shooting League of India (SLI) Teaser: Screened a preview of India’s upcoming franchise-based, team-oriented professional shooting league.
Leadership & Athlete Perspectives
“As the NRAI celebrates 75 remarkable years, it is encouraging to see Indian shooting embrace innovation and a long-term vision through initiatives like the Athlete App, grassroots outreach to 7.5 lakh youth, and the upcoming Shooting League of India. These efforts will help identify talent, strengthen our sporting ecosystem, and create greater opportunities for athletes.” — Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports
“As we celebrate 75 remarkable years of the NRAI, this milestone is not only about reflecting on our legacy but also about shaping the future of Indian shooting. Our vision is to make the sport more accessible, aspirational, and engaging for the next generation.” — Kalikesh Singh Deo, President, NRAI
“From introducing 7,50,000 young students to the sport before the 2028 Olympics through the ‘10-shot experience’ to leveraging technology through the Athlete App and creating new opportunities for athletes through the Shooting League of India, we are focused on building robust pathways for talent identification, athlete development, and greater fan engagement.” — Pawankumar Singh, Secretary General, NRAI
“The NRAI has played a huge role in shaping Indian shooting over the last 75 years, and I’m proud to be part of this journey. Initiatives like introducing 7,50,000 young students to the sport and launching the Athlete App show that Indian shooting is thinking boldly for the future.” — Manu Bhaker