Seeking the opinions of our rifle and pistol athletes in a future decision-making, the ISSF organised a Sport Presentation and Clothing Workshop at the ISSF World Championship Rifle/Pistol in Cairo, Egypt.
The forum was held to brief those present from the shooting sport family on current plans for rule and event changes in 2026, delivered by ISSF Sport Director, Peter Underhill, assisted by Cassio Rippel and David Goodfellow, Chairs of the ISSF Athletes and Rifle Committees respectively.
A presentation showed a range of current issues and challenges facing disciplines, with Underhill providing an overview of the sport's performance and results from the International Olympic Committee's review of all events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Included in this review were assessments of sport presentation, with feedback suggesting improvements could improve popularity and attractiveness, particularly in broadcasting.
The forum was held to brief those present from the shooting sport family on current plans for rule and event changes in 2026, delivered by ISSF Sport Director, Peter Underhill, assisted by Cassio Rippel and David Goodfellow, Chairs of the ISSF Athletes and Rifle Committees respectively.
A presentation showed a range of current issues and challenges facing disciplines, with Underhill providing an overview of the sport's performance and results from the International Olympic Committee's review of all events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Included in this review were assessments of sport presentation, with feedback suggesting improvements could improve popularity and attractiveness, particularly in broadcasting.
He added that the Paris 2024 results were generally a great success and shooting sport had improved its position in the IOC and Olympic Broadcasting Services rankings. However, length and complexities of shotgun, mixed team and 50m rifle 3 positions finals were a concern.
With this in mind, Underhill described the 2026 rule changes to event finals formats and to rifle clothing, providing ways to present the sport in a more appealing manner to audiences, particularly to youth. Measures to reduce the impact of rifle clothing, as well as perceptions and reality of potential technical doping and cost concerns to all athletes around the world, were highlighted too.
The workshop was well-received by attendees, who valued the transparency showed by the ISSF by allowing open discussion and providing awareness to athletes who may be affected by the changes. There was an understanding that solutions needed to be found for the sport and its disciplines to remain part of the Olympic Games after Los Angeles 2028.
With this in mind, Underhill described the 2026 rule changes to event finals formats and to rifle clothing, providing ways to present the sport in a more appealing manner to audiences, particularly to youth. Measures to reduce the impact of rifle clothing, as well as perceptions and reality of potential technical doping and cost concerns to all athletes around the world, were highlighted too.
The workshop was well-received by attendees, who valued the transparency showed by the ISSF by allowing open discussion and providing awareness to athletes who may be affected by the changes. There was an understanding that solutions needed to be found for the sport and its disciplines to remain part of the Olympic Games after Los Angeles 2028.