Two Caerphilly shooting stars are aiming high in this year’s Commonwealth Games – with their latest tournament in Delhi keeping them bang on target.
Mal Allen and Elena Allen, from Abercarn, recently returned from India where they took part in the Commonwealth Shooting Federation Championship (CSFC).
Team Wales finished equal second in the overall medal table and outright second in the individual table, winning four gold, two silver and seven bronze medals. Hosts India topped the table.
The Wales shooting team has been training for the upcoming Commonwealth Games at the South Wales Police firearms range at Waterton Cross in Bridgend. They have previously had to travel to Europe to practise.
Welsh Target Shooting Federation Rifle coach John Dallimore said of the team’s achievement: “I have to say thank-you to all those who assisted the team in their preparation for this competition, including the South Wales Police.
“Preparation for the Games is already in full flow and I’m sure that the shooting section of Team Wales will be well prepared.”
A total of 163 shooters from 12 countries took part in the recent Federation Championship, with the tournament used to trial the Indian facilities ahead of the Commonwealth Games in October.
Chris Jenkins, Director of the Commonwealth Games Council for Wales, said: “This competition has proved a massive success. Not only did the Wales team do extremely well, but the fact there were no hitches proves that Delhi is more than capable of hosting large sporting events.
“The security around the event was very impressive and the whole team felt very safe at all times. A fantastic performance and we are all looking forward to the Games in Delhi in October.”
Up to 8,000 competitors from 71 countries – including up to 200 Welsh athletes – will compete in 17 sports in the 2010 Commonwealth Games between October 3 and 14.
The tournament is the only multi-sport international event in which Wales competes as a country in its own right.