The International Biathlon Union (IBU) Executive Board worked through a full agenda of reports and discussion points this weekend as the federation continues to press ahead with developing the strategic frameworks that will ensure the sport realises its long-term potential.

During the meeting, the IBU’s overall strategy was discussed with reports delivered on critical areas such as the implementation of Target 26, governance, and budget allocation for 2022-2026. Amongst other topics, the EB discussed a renewed financial support system which is based on the three pillars of Participation, Performance and Development. The strategic discussions served as preparation for the Presidents’ Meeting on 10-12 September 2021 in Munich (GER), in which the IBU and its National Federations will review the long-term vision-mission-overall objectives for biathlon.

Major decisions taken by the EB included the approval of the Gender Equality Strategy until 2026 and the approval of the NF support for the upcoming season 2021/2022. The Board also agreed to host the 15th Ordinary IBU Congress 2022 at the Hotel Wyndham Grand, Salzburg, from 15-19 September 2022.

Development was a major item on the agenda as updates were provided on the IBU Academy, approval of the IBU NF Development support of projects 2021/2022, the IBU Regional Summer Event support 2021/2022 and the Gender Equality Strategy as well as the NF allocation in Development Categories for the upcoming season. An IBU Development Reference Group was also established.

Discussions on sport and events saw reports on the future direction of the World Championships, the World Cup calendar 2022/2023 and the latest developments around flour and lead use in biathlon. The IBU contributions for the NFs and Organising Committees hosting events in the upcoming season have also been set.

Reports were delivered on finance and administration as the financial results of 2020/2021 were presented along with a report from the auditors.

Updates were also provided on communications and the recent plans to develop a new digital ecosystem with the launch of the first official IBU App and a new biathlonworld.com website in November 2021.

The next EB meeting is scheduled for 9-10 September ahead of the Presidents meeting in Munich.