Sports Minister Tracey Crouch has confirmed that the Government is “exploring the potential” of including shooting in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Crouch made her comments during a debate in Westminster on yesterday (June 27) which was secured by Alister Jack MP from Dumfries and Galloway.
Jack noted the “phenomenal” performance of the Home Nations at this year’s Games in Australia, where athletes from the UK won 38% of shooting medals available – including a gold medal won by one of his constituents.
Shooting is an optional sport at the Commonwealth Games, although it has been included in every Games since 1970.
The organisers of the Birmingham Games have blamed lack of facilities for the decision to exclude the sport from the 2022 programme.
Crouch said that both she and the Secretary of State, Matt Hancock, supported calls to reinstate the sport but stressed that the decision was not up to the Government.
Cost and challenges
She highlighted potential cost and logistical challenges to including the sport in the Birmingham Games but said that the Government was looking at these issues and that the challenges “are not necessarily ones that cannot be overcome”.
Revamping Bisley shooting ground or building a new facility in the West Midlands for the Birmingham Games were both raised in the debate.
Liam Stokes from the Countryside Alliance said: “For the sake of competitive shooting in this country and around the world, is vital that shooting sports be included in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“We are delighted that the Government recognises this and are lending their influence to our calls for shooting sports to be reinstated.
Great Britain is great at shooting and our athletes deserve an opportunity to perform in front of a home crowd in Birmingham, a city infused with gunsmithing heritage.
“We will continue to campaign on this issue until inclusion in the 2022 Commonwealth Games is confirmed.”
