Govt gives green light to IOA for hosting Commonwealth shooting and archery events in India

The government on Saturday approved "in principle" the Indian Olympic Association's proposal to host the Commonwealth shooting championships and archery events -- which are not part of the 2022 Commonwealth Games roster -- in March 2022.

Earlier this week, the IOA had withdrawn its threat to boycott the Birmingham Commonwealth Games over shooting's omission and decided to submit a formal proposal to host a shooting championships, where the medals won will be counted in the tally of the 2022 edition.

"I am directed to refer to Indian Olympic Association's letter dated 1st January, 2020, regarding holding of Commonwealth shooting and archery events in India in March 2022 and to convey the 'in-principle approval' of the government," the ministry said in a letter.

On Friday, IOA had written a letter to Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louis Martin, outlining the cost of hosting shooting and archery events.

"Whilst the costs outlined and enclosed in the shooting programs have been graciously accepted to be met largely by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), the archery programme will likely be funded solely by the Government of India," IOA wrote in the letter.

The IOA also asked CGF to "consider the cost and operational complexity of the proposals."
"The NRAI has informed me that this decision would be necessary to recommend whether the events could be hosted in Chandigarh or New Delhi."
"It is proposed that the opening ceremony would coincide with Commonwealth Day on the 14th of March 2022."
The IOA also informed CGF its decision to "bid for hosting of 2026 or 2030 Commonwealth Games in India."