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Shooting is another longstanding Commonwealth sport, only missing from one Games since 1966.
Four different types of shooting are contested at this year's Games in Glasgow - clay target, full bore and pistol & small bore rifle shooting.
Over half of the shooting competitions from the last Commonwealth Games in Delhi have been axed for Glasgow, reducing from 44 to just 19.
WHEN?
Shooting runs from July 25-29 with many events settled on one day.
WHERE?
One of the events taking place outside Glasgow, shooting will be happening at the Barry Buddon Shooting Centre on a Ministry of Defence traning base in Carnoustie.
The satellite location will provide a mix of existing and temporary shooting ranges for the Games to ensure all shooting events take place across one site, making it easier for fans and logistically for athletes and organisers.
WHO?
Last time out in Delhi the home nation effect was in full swing with India taking home top spot on the medal table with an impressive 14 golds. They were understandably less impressive at the Olympics, failing to win more than silver at London 2012 so it will be interesting to see if they can retain top spot on this leaderboard. Five time Commonwealth champion Vijay Kumar - who won his country's only silver in London - is back to see if he can win gold at a third successive Games.
The home nation banner passes to Scotland this year and they will be intent on improving on fourth place in the medal table this time round. They won four golds in Delhi. Jennifer McIntosh and Jonathan Hammond - both double gold winners in singles and pairs competitions last time - are back for more.
England's Steve Scott won the European Championships last month and will be looking to carry that momentum forward to Glasgow. He also won gold in Delhi four years ago and will be among the favourites to add to his tally later this month.
Singapore's pedigree in shooting has steadily improved over the last decade and shooting accounted for five of their eleven gold medals last time so it will be interesting to see if they can retain their momentum in Glasgow.
The usual suspects, Australia and New Zealand are also strong here. The bronze medals were shared between many nations in Delhi however suggesting a close playing field.
LET ME SOUND LIKE I KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT...
- Clay target shooting is perhaps the 'classic' style of shooting we are used to seeing in these competitons. It's the one where they shout 'pull' and at London 2012 Peter Wilson gave Great Britain a first Olympic gold since 2000 in the double trap.
- Full bore shooting is only contested at the Commonwealths - competitors can pick which type of gun they use - rifle, pistol or shotgun. A discipline requiring both accuracy and patience.
- Pistol and small bore shooting use the circular targets
- Teams as diverse as Namibia, Bangladesh and the Isle of Man scored bronze medals in the last Commonwealths - this one isn't just for the traditional powers.
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| India's five-time Commonwealth champion Vijay Kumar (biharprabha.com) |
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