The biggest competition of the 2018 shooting sport season kicked off today in Changwon (KOR), where more than 1800 athletes from gathered for the 52nd edition of the ISSF World Championship.
The opening ceremony of the championship took place at the Changwon Indoor Gymnasium, where hundreds of spectators were entertained by some colourful exhibitions of dancers and other performers. Among the many authorities who attended the ceremony: Mr. Olegario Vazquez Raña, President of the ISSF, Mr. Franz Schreiber, Secretary General of the ISSF, Mr. Lee Nak-yon, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of the Gyeongsangnam-do province, Mr. Heo Seong-mu, Mayor of Changwon City, and Mr. Hwang Yongdeug, President of the Korea Shooting Federation, who was the first to take the podium.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the present authorities,” said Mr. Hwang. “For their full support, as well as the organizing staff for their dedicated efforts. Changwon City has been the herb of shooting sport in Korea, as it organized the ISSF World Cup for eight times since 2003, contributing to the development of our sport.”
“On behalf of our 1.06-million citizens, I am honored to meet you all, and I would like to extend my warm welcome to you all,” added Mr. Heo. “We have made our utmost efforts to make this the best championship ever, and after a long preparation, we are now at this historic moment. Dear athletes, a stage of inspiration has been prepared: play at your best and the world will be excited to see your sportsmanship, your passion and your respect.”
Athletes and officials of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea also attended the ceremony, and they were greeted by all the authorities, including the Prime Minister of the host country: “I would like to mention the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea delegation, warmly welcoming them as my compatriots,” said Mr. Lee. “I hope your stay will be enjoyable and I wish you best of luck.”
Finally, the President of the ISSF, Mr. Olegario Vazquez Raña took the stage, officially declaring the 52nd ISSF World Championship in all events open.
“Authorities, athletes, judges, referees and officials, it is an honour and a great joy for me to welcome you all to the 52nd ISSF World Championship in the beautiful city of Changwon, which always welcomed us with warmth, generosity and open arms,” Mr. Raña also said. “Korea is the only Asian country that organized the ISSF World Championship twice. First forty years ago in Seoul in 1978, where I participated as a competitor and where for the first time I thought I could one day become the President of the then UIT.”
The national anthem of the Republic of Korea and the one of the International Shooting Sport Federation were then played to the audience, sealing a remarkable opening ceremony.
Competitions at the ISSF World Championship will start tomorrow — when the first set of medals will be awarded in two events: 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team and 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team — and it will go on until September 14th.
Footage of the Olympic events will be distributed worldwide via EBU and broadcasted live on the ISSF website, on the Federation’s Livestream channel and on its official Facebook page.
Live results, news and updates will be available on www.issf-sports.org and on all ISSF social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Weibo and Youku.