A Comprehensive Analysis of Why Shooting was Dropped from the 2022 Commonwealth Games
" "Introduction
" "The decision to drop shooting from the 2022 Commonwealth Games was a significant one, reflecting a broader strategy by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to streamline the event and manage costs. This article will delve into the reasons behind this decision, focusing on the financial viability concerns and logistical challenges faced by the host city of Birmingham.
" "Why Shooting was Initially Missing
" "Shooting has typically been one of the optional sports at the Commonwealth Games (CWG), although it has been included in every game since 1974. The popularity of shooting among smaller nations, coupled with the rich historical presence of shooting teams, made it a significant part of the CWG. However, for a city to secure the games, it must receive more than 50 votes at the CWG General Council. Cities without shooting risks losing support from those small nations and stronger ones such as India and Bangladesh, who are traditionally strong in air rifle events.
" "Manchester, for example, was initially resistant to including shooting in its bid, but was pressured into it due to the demands of the General Council. Birmingham, chosen by a three-person committee rather than the usual process, did not undergo this scrutiny, leading to the absence of shooting in their bid.
" "Why Shooting was Later Rejected as an Additional Sport
" "Shooting was invited to make a bid as an additional sport, facing competition from four other sports. The decision by British Shooting and the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) to align the CWG shooting program with the Olympic program caused a stir, as it significantly altered the traditional format of the CWG.
" "The proposal to host shooting events at Bisley, 150 miles away from Birmingham, added to the challenges. Although Bisley has historic ties to the CWG, the costs associated with logistics, security, and remote accommodation make it an unappealing option. The facilities at Bisley are in disrepair and would require significant investment to be competitive. Furthermore, Bisley's distance from the main event makes it both costly and logistically challenging.
" "Alternative options, such as Crystal Palace in London for cycling and temporary or existing venues in Birmingham for shooting events, were much more feasible. By the time fallback options were explored, the athlete quota for additional sports was fully allocated, leaving no room for shooting.
" "Implications and Future Prospects
" "The removal of shooting from the 2022 Commonwealth Games is a major setback for a sport with rich historical ties to the event. The decision highlights the tension between cost management, logistical feasibility, and the cultural significance of various sports.
" "Looking ahead, it is crucial that future decisions consider the unique needs and contributions of each sport to the event. Greater emphasis on inclusivity and community engagement, as well as a commitment to infrastructure investment, will be key in ensuring that all sports can participate effectively in the Commonwealth Games.
" "Conclusion
" "The dropping of shooting from the 2022 Commonwealth Games serves as a complex case study in the balancing act between cost efficiency and the cultural significance of sports. It underscores the need for a thorough and inclusive approach to planning future events, ensuring that the rich tradition and value of shooting can be preserved and celebrated in future editions of the Commonwealth Games.