Bangladesh approves shooting team tour to India, marking a notable development in regional sports ties just days after the country’s cricket team declined to travel to India over security concerns. The decision allows Bangladesh’s shooters to participate in the Asian Shooting Championships scheduled to take place in New Delhi from February 2 to 14.
The approval comes at a sensitive time, as Bangladesh recently lost its spot in the T20 World Cup after refusing to tour India. That refusal led the International Cricket Council to replace Bangladesh with Scotland for the tournament running from February 7 to March 8. Bangladesh had raised safety concerns and requested that their matches be shifted to Sri Lanka, a proposal the ICC rejected, citing independent security assessments and logistical constraints.
Despite the cricket dispute, Bangladesh’s sports ministry has cleared a three-member shooting contingent to compete in India. Media reports confirmed that shooter Robiul Islam, his coach Sharmin Akhter, and jury member Saima Feroze will represent the country at the continental event.
The National Rifle Association of India confirmed Bangladesh’s participation, emphasizing that all procedures were followed according to international standards. NRAI Secretary General Pawan Singh stated that Bangladesh’s entry had been confirmed well in advance and that clearance applications for all participating nations had been under process for several months.
Singh highlighted that shooting as a sport operates under strict global regulations. According to him, organizers must adhere to International Shooting Sport Federation norms and comply fully with the International Olympic Committee charter. He also noted that the NRAI has consistently received strong backing from the Indian government to host such events smoothly.
Importantly, the Bangladesh shooting team did not request any special security arrangements. Singh explained that Bangladeshi shooters have previously competed in Indian tournaments and are familiar with the established safety protocols, which likely contributed to their confidence.
The Asian Shooting Confederation, which is organizing the championship, has yet to issue an official statement. Still, Bangladesh’s decision to send its shooting team reflects a sport-specific approach, separating shooting governance from broader political and cricket-related tensions.
Overall, the move underlines how Bangladesh approves a shooting team tour under international sporting frameworks, even amid strained relations in other sporting arenas.
