A Commonwealth Archery and Shooting Championships is set to take place in India in 2022 after a proposal to stage the event was approved by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Executive Board.
Today's decision confirmed that Chandigarh 2022 and Birmingham 2022 will be two separately organised and funded Commonwealth Sport events.
One week following the Closing Ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the CGF shall issue a medal table that includes results from the Chandigarh 2022 Commonwealth Archery and Shooting Championships, as a further and final legitimate ranking of competing nations and territories from the respective competitions.
The CGF Executive Board approved the proposal at their meeting in London which took place on February 21-23; and highlighted the opportunity for this innovative model to promote and encourage the development and hosting of sport throughout the Commonwealth.
The proposal from Commonwealth Games India (CGI), which was supported by the Government of India, World Archery, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), and the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) was also considered and discussed with Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Partners prior to the CGF Executive Board decision.
CGF President Dame Louise Martin said: Â"I am delighted that we have approved India's ambitious proposal to host a Commonwealth Archery and Shooting Championships in Chandigarh during 2022.
Â"Commonwealth archery and shooting athletes now have an unprecedented opportunity to compete in an elite event that will showcase the very best of Commonwealth Sport and add value to the Commonwealth Sports Movement.
Â"The CGF would like to thank the CGI, the NRAI, the Government of India and the entire sporting community of India on the significant efforts they have taken to submit an innovative proposal with the ambition of strengthening Commonwealth Sport.
Â"I would like to give particular thanks to CGI President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sport Kiren Rijiju and NRAI President Raninder Singh for their leadership across this proposal.”
CGI President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra said: Â"We are very pleased that our proposal was considered by the Federation and look forward to continuing to engage with all stakeholders to ensure that the Commonwealth Archery and Shooting Championships is a resounding success for the Commonwealth Sports Movement.
Â"Our proposal provides more opportunities for Commonwealth athletes to compete on the world stage, and we look forward to welcoming the Commonwealth's best shooters and archers to Chandigarh in 2022.
Â"Team India looks forward to competing at Chandigarh 2022 and Birmingham 2022, and discussing further how we promote closer ties with India and its athletes and the wider Commonwealth sport community.”
Archery GB's CEO Neil Armitage said: "I am delighted that archery and shooting will have the opportunity to add to the Commonwealth Games medal tally. We met with the CGF today and discussed positive plans for the development of archery across the Commonwealth and the role our sport can play in this new initiative. This innovative approach to a multi-sport competition across nations, may well be the future for major events to inspire more nations to engage and encourage diversity.
"The Commonwealth Championships in Chandigarh give a real focus for both established and emerging Commonwealth nations. As a continuation of the sport development work Archery GB carries out in other continents, we will offer to collaborate with World Archery and CGF to support the delivery of an amazing and inspirational Commonwealth archery competition.
"We will also continue our discussions with the Birmingham 2022 local organising committee to ensure that the population of Birmingham and beyond has the opportunity to see and try archery themselves. Archery is one of the most inclusive sports where anyone from any background and all abilities can enjoy the sport."
