In a unique move in Indian sports, Mumbai X Calibers, set to participate in the Shooting League of India (SLI), breaks the norm by having all three owners actively involved in shooting. Ronak Pandit, a gold medalist at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and Zahir Hawa, are currently competing together at the National Shooting Championship Competitions in Delhi. Alongside Faiyaz Virani, these owners’ dual roles as athletes and franchise owners mark a significant development in Indian sports, aiming to leverage their active involvement for the team’s benefit.
Zahir Hawa, with extensive shooting experience spanning over 25 years, viewed investing in the league as a natural choice, driven by his passion for the sport. Pandit shares a similar sentiment, emphasizing a long-term vision beyond mere competition. The owners aim to enhance accessibility to the sport and expand the talent pool, focusing on the shooters’ welfare in the long run.
Mumbai X Calibers not only seeks to build a competitive team but also aims to embody the essence of Mumbai. The owners stress the importance of reflecting the city’s spirit and ambition through the franchise, believing that a team should resonate with its city’s identity. Pandit and Hawa emphasize the significance of regional identity and cultural connection, highlighting the importance of fans relating to the team beyond just results.
The name “Mumbai X Calibers” holds a special significance, blending shooting terminology with a legendary reference. The name, suggested by Hawa’s daughter, combines “Excalibur,” a legendary sword, with “calibers,” a shooting term, symbolizing the fusion of tradition and modernity. The co-owners’ active participation in the sport provides them with a unique perspective, offering insights into the pressures and challenges of top-level competition that few other franchises can match.
As active competitors, Pandit and Hawa leverage their firsthand experience to navigate the intricacies of the sport, understanding formats, athlete responses, and the dynamics of competition. Their dual roles as players and owners grant them a competitive edge, enabling them to contribute effectively to the team’s development and success. Mumbai X Calibers’ primary objective revolves around fostering growth and inclusivity in a sport that historically faced limitations in talent development and opportunities.
