No shooting at 2022 Commonwealth Games
In a major blow to India's medal hopes, Commonwealth Games Federation has decided not to reinstate the shooting event for the 2022 edition of the tournament. The federation's CEO, David Grevemberg said that the Commonwealth nations collectively decided against the sport being included at the 2022 games. India's has been one of the top performers in the sport of shooting.
The official statement of CEO David Grevemberg
"Shooting will not feature at the 2022 CWG...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.
2022 CWG to be held at Birmingham
Grevemberg claimed that the decision was taken after carefully considering all other optional sports. He further made it clear that the Birmingham Games' Organising Committee (OC) has selected table tennis, judo, gymnastics, wrestling, cycling, diving and 3X3 basketball as the other seven optional sports. All these optional sports have confirmed their spot at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Sports Minister's efforts go in vain
Union Sports Minister, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who was a shooter himself, made several efforts to reinstate the sport of shooting. But, Grevemberg's statement means all his efforts have gone in vain.
India's best medal tally is from shooting
Historically, India has been one of the best performers in shooting. Sportsperson like Abhinav Bindra, Gagan Narang and Jitu Rai have claimed medals at the Commonwealth Games. India's lone individual Olympic gold medal has also come from shooting. It was won by Abhinav Bindra at the 2008 Beijing Games.
