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In what has come as a major disappointment, Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has decided not to reinstate the sport of shooting at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Birmingham, England.
CGF CEO David Grevemberg made it clear that the decision wasn’t solely made by the CGF, but all the nations involved after taking into consideration other sports which they believe have a greater potential on the world stage.
Historically, India has been one of the most successful nations in the shooting event, bagging 56 Gold medals and a total of 118 medals.
CGF CEO, Grevemberg indicated that he was well aware that countries like India could feel displeased by this decision given the fact that the country has enjoyed tremendous success in the event.
“Birmingham is a diverse and dynamic city that has proposed an inspiring and inclusive event for 2022, and in record time. We know that they considered all optional sports carefully, but a final decision was reached,” Grevemberg said in his letter.
In its place, Birmingham Games’ Organising Committee (OC) has decided to introduce the following as the seven optional sports - judo, table tennis, gymnastics, cycling, wrestling, diving and 3X3 basketball.
The efforts of several Indian associations who tried their very best to reinstate shooting went in vain as the CGF made it clear that it will not reverse the action at any point and as it stands, their decision is permanent.
Shooting was first made an optional sport in 2016 but as of 24th February 2018, it has been scrapped altogether from the Commonwealth Games. This comes as a big blow to National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and Union sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who worked tirelessly to ensure the sport continues to play a vital role on the world stage.
CGF CEO, Grevemberg indicated that he was well aware that countries like India could feel displeased by this decision given the fact that the country has enjoyed tremendous success in the event.
“Birmingham is a diverse and dynamic city that has proposed an inspiring and inclusive event for 2022, and in record time. We know that they considered all optional sports carefully, but a final decision was reached,” Grevemberg said in his letter.
