Bangladesh has green-lit its shooting team’s tour to New Delhi for the upcoming Asian Shooting Championships. This decision comes after the cricket team recently refused to tour India, citing safety concerns. Consequently, Bangladesh lost its spot in the T20 World Cup, which runs from February 7 to March 8.
Shooting Team to Participate Without Extra Security
Bangladesh’s sports ministry approved a three-member contingent, including shooter Robiul Islam, coach Sharmin Akhter, and jury member Saima Feroze, to compete in India. National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) Secretary General Pawan Singh confirmed the team’s participation. He said the team applied for clearances months ago and followed International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) and International Olympic Committee (IOC) rules.
Singh added that the Bangladesh team did not request extra security measures. “The Bangladesh team has participated in our tournaments before. They know our protocols well. That may be why they feel confident and made no special requests,” he said. Meanwhile, the Asian Shooting Confederation, which organizes the event, has not yet responded to media inquiries.
Cricket Withdrawal Highlights Security Concerns
The ICC replaced Bangladesh’s cricket team with Scotland in the T20 World Cup after Bangladesh refused to tour India. Officials cited safety concerns following strained political relations between the two countries. The ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to play matches in Sri Lanka, explaining that rescheduling at this late stage was “not feasible,” based on independent security assessment reports.
Despite cricket tensions, Bangladesh will send its shooting team to India. Organizers will hold the Asian Shooting Championships in New Delhi from February 2 to 14. The event will attract top shooters from across Asia, while organizers enforce strict ISSF protocols. Analysts note that the shooting tour shows that sports other than cricket can continue cooperation between the two nations despite political issues.
Sports Ministry Confirms Support
Bangladesh’s sports ministry actively backed the shooting team’s participation. Officials coordinated with Indian authorities to ensure smooth participation. This contrasts with the cricket team’s refusal and shows the ministry’s confidence in India’s security arrangements for smaller delegations.
The occasion is set to showcase rifle and pistol events. While promoting regional cooperation and shooting sports, the organizers emphasize the importance of adhering to strict security and sporting protocols.
