The IBU published a framework in March, with the strategy defining and targeting three core stakeholder groups - the IBU as an organisation, IBU events, and biathlon globally.

Governance, sport and portrayal will be the areas of focus, with a series of objectives, actions, responsibilities and deadlines.

The strategy was approved at the IBU Executive Board’s latest meeting.

Approval was also given as part of a wider discussion on the IBU’s overall strategy, which focused on their Target 26 strategic plan.

The Executive Board discussed a renewed financial support system based on participation, performance and development.

The IBU said strategic discussions served as preparation for the Presidents’ meeting, which will take place from September 10 to 12 in Munich.

The meeting will see the IBU and its National Federations review the long-term vision-mission-overall objectives for biathlon.

Development was discussed at the meeting with the IBU Academy among the topics, along with the approval of the IBU National Federation development support of projects for 2021 and 2022 and IBU Regional Summer Event support.

An IBU Development Reference Group was also established.

Reports were presented to the IBU on the future direction of the World Championships and the World Cup calendar for 2022 to 2023.

The IBU Executive Board discussed the latest developments around flour and lead use in biathlon.

Contributions for the National Federations and Organising Committees hosting events in the upcoming season were set, while reports were delivered on finance and administration as the financial results of 2020 and 2021.

The IBU added that updates were also provided on communications and 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 IBU Board confirmed the organisation’s ordinary Congress next year will take place at the Hotel Wyndham Grand in Salzburg from September 15 to 19.