In a meeting with members of the press in India, the ISSF and the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) discussed the necessity of their strong working relationship, as the NRAI looks to launch the Shooting League of India.
The call with journalists showed support from ISSF President Luciano Rossi for the Shooting League of India, which looks to become the country's first professional shooting sport league.
This is a historic moment for India, with shooting being one of its most successful sports at the Olympic Games and has emerged as a force in shooting sport over the past decade. At the 2023 ISSF World Championships, India won six gold medals - nearly doubling its all-time total to 13.
President Rossi and NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo showed gratitude to each other over the joint ambition of the Shooting League of India, which looks to provide gender equality and more power to athletes. Avenues for esports will be explored too.
Speaking to journalists, NRAI President Deo said: "The ISSF has always been very generous to India and even more so since Mr. Rossi became President. He has provided a clear vision for the sport and being open-minded. While the traditional form of the sport is very important to us, we also understand the pulse of the current market of audiences.
"I believe that we as a body and the ISSF under the leadership of President Rossi will make sure that shooting sport grows leaps in bounds from what it has been in the past."
The call with journalists showed support from ISSF President Luciano Rossi for the Shooting League of India, which looks to become the country's first professional shooting sport league.
This is a historic moment for India, with shooting being one of its most successful sports at the Olympic Games and has emerged as a force in shooting sport over the past decade. At the 2023 ISSF World Championships, India won six gold medals - nearly doubling its all-time total to 13.
President Rossi and NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo showed gratitude to each other over the joint ambition of the Shooting League of India, which looks to provide gender equality and more power to athletes. Avenues for esports will be explored too.
Speaking to journalists, NRAI President Deo said: "The ISSF has always been very generous to India and even more so since Mr. Rossi became President. He has provided a clear vision for the sport and being open-minded. While the traditional form of the sport is very important to us, we also understand the pulse of the current market of audiences.
"I believe that we as a body and the ISSF under the leadership of President Rossi will make sure that shooting sport grows leaps in bounds from what it has been in the past."
ISSF President Luciano Rossi and NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo in India last yearMr. Deo also said he was open to supporting any trials of technology for ISSF events that would support improved sports presentation in-person and via broadcasting in a bid to increase viewership in our sport.
President Rossi made it clear that the ISSF were continuing to improve the operations of the organisation and wanted to keep repairing "mistakes" made in the past in how shooting sport was presented to the world.
President Rossi said: "For too many years, we have been so focused on being inside the [shooting sport] family that we have forgot what we are outside of the family. We are investing money but also putting attention into our communications and creating a good relationship with the press and television audiences. We are here to change, but with respect to the athletes and the spirit of the sport."
Both Presidents Rossi and Deo spoke about the potential to financially support international and domestic athletes in the country via the Shooting League of India and the ISSF President encouraged for similar leagues to be set up around the world, if feasible.
"The League of India is very important to us and is in the right direction to create publicity for the athletes and help their dream of becoming known around the world."
President Rossi made it clear that the ISSF were continuing to improve the operations of the organisation and wanted to keep repairing "mistakes" made in the past in how shooting sport was presented to the world.
President Rossi said: "For too many years, we have been so focused on being inside the [shooting sport] family that we have forgot what we are outside of the family. We are investing money but also putting attention into our communications and creating a good relationship with the press and television audiences. We are here to change, but with respect to the athletes and the spirit of the sport."
Both Presidents Rossi and Deo spoke about the potential to financially support international and domestic athletes in the country via the Shooting League of India and the ISSF President encouraged for similar leagues to be set up around the world, if feasible.
"The League of India is very important to us and is in the right direction to create publicity for the athletes and help their dream of becoming known around the world."