The 2015 ISSF World Cup in Rifle and Pistol events in Changwon (KOR) kicked-off today. More than 570 athletes coming from 68 countries will compete there from the 9th through the 15th of April, trying to secure one of the 24 Olympic Quotas to be distributed by the ISSF.
Following the first stages in Acapulco (MEX) and Al Ain (UAE), the 2015 ISSF World Cup Series continues in Changwon (KOR) where the third world cup leg of the season is held from the 9th through the 15th of May.
It's the first World Cup Stage of the year in Rifle and Pistol events: 571 athletes coming from 68 countries arrived in Changwon to compete in the ten rifle and pistol Olympic events, trying to secure one of the twenty-four Rio 2016 qualification slots up for grabs.
The competition has been officially opened by the Major of Changwon, Mr. Ahn Sang-soo (photo), who welcomed the athletes and the ISSF officials at the opening ceremony, saying: “Together with over one million Chagwon citizens, I sincerely welcome all officials and athletes from all over the world participating in this ISSF World Cup.”
“By establishing world-class sport facilities such as the Changwon Shooting Range, our city is pushing forward to promote its sport industry and to become a mecca of sports around the world.” Mr. Ahn added.
The President of the Organizing Committee and President of the Korea Shooting Sport Federation, Mr. Kim Jung, said: “I hope this world cup will turn into a memorable sport festival for our world-class athletes. It's meaningful that Korea was entrusted by the ISSF to organize 14 world cup stages since 1987, and for 6 times here in Changwon, contributing to the development of the shooting sport.”
The ISSF Technical Delegate for this event, Mr. Joerg Brokamp, also welcomed the participating athletes, and thanked the Korean Organizing Committee and the city of Changwon for setting up a great competition.
“This world cup stage is quite remarkable.” Mr. Brokamp said, speaking in behalf of the ISSF President Olegario Vazquez Raña and of the ISSF Secretary General Franz Schreiber “This is the first Rifle and Pistol world cup of the year, and the participation of over 570 athletes sets a new record for ISSF events organized in Korea.”
The first medal match, the 10m Air Rifle Men Finals, will take place tomorrow afternoon at 14.00 (Changwon time), assigning three Olympic Quota places, the qualification slots for Rio 2016. Follow the Finals live on the internet, at www.issf-sports.org