SLI Is More Than a League, It’s a Movement: Olympic Star Mary Tucker

June 9, 2025: Olympic silver medallist Mary Tucker believes India’s newly announced Shooting League of India (SLI) has the power to elevate the sport worldwide.

With the inaugural season set between November 20 and December 2, excitement is building not only in India but also among international stars like Mary Tucker, who won silver in the mixed 10m air rifle at the Tokyo Olympics. She expressed enthusiasm about the SLI’s team-based format and its potential to shape the future of shooting sports.

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“I really like leagues,” said Tucker, who has previously competed in NCAA competitions and the German Bundesliga. “The SLI’s structure, blending elite athletes and rising juniors, is a huge opportunity to grow shooting not just in India but globally.”

The SLI will include mixed-team events across pistol (10m, 25m), rifle (10m, 50m 3P), and shotgun (Trap & Skeet) categories, overseen by the NRAI Technical Committee and aligned with ISSF’s calendar.

Tucker praised India’s strong presence in shooting, saying, “It’s a great opportunity for both Indian and global athletes to learn from each other. Competing at this level builds fan engagement and brings attention to the sport in new ways.”

Speaking about her advantage going into the league, Tucker emphasized the unique pressure of team-based events. “Shooting for a city or team brings a different kind of emotional intensity. You’re not just competing for yourself — you don’t want to let your teammates down,” she said.

Tucker also believes that SLI can serve as a model for professional leagues in the U.S., where shooting is currently confined to college-level teams. “It’ll show that a global, pro-level league is possible and create buzz in the U.S., especially before the LA 2028 Olympics,” she said.

Personally, Tucker sees the league as an important step for growth. “Training alongside top-tier athletes in unfamiliar settings will push me out of my comfort zone — and that’s where progress happens,” she noted.

Having spent time with Indian shooters like Elavenil Valarivan and Anjum Moudgil, Tucker is eager to team up with them. “Elavenil has massive potential and will gain a huge following. And Anjum brings such a strong focus on mental health and psychology — I’d love to be part of that movement.”

With a league designed to blend elite performance, mentorship, and fandom, the Shooting League of India might just be the turning point shooting sport has long awaited — and Mary Tucker is ready to be part of it.