Government Clears Shooting Team’s Trip to India After Blocking Cricket Team

Sports Desk

The government has approved the national shooting team’s visit to India to participate in the Asian Rifle and Pistol Shooting Championships in Delhi, ending the uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s participation in the event.

The championship is scheduled to be held in New Delhi, India from February 2 to 14. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Youth and Sports issued a Government Order (GO) in this regard, allowing the team to travel.

The Bangladesh national cricket team’s tour to India was earlier cancelled due to security concerns, but the government has taken a positive decision regarding the shooting team. According to officials concerned, there is no major security risk as the competition will be held in a secure indoor venue.

Youth and Sports Secretary Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam confirmed the decision and said, “This approval has been given after considering all aspects. The Bangladesh team has only one athlete and one coach. It is a very small team. Besides, the host country has also given full assurance about our security.“

He added, “The entire event will be held in a designated secure area, so we see no reason to worry about security.“

Top shooter Rabiul Islam will represent Bangladesh in the upcoming competition. His event is scheduled for February 5. Sharmin Akhter will accompany the team as a coach.
Being an athlete of the Bangladesh Navy, Rabiul has a special passport, through which he can stay in India for seven days without a visa. However, coach Sharmin will need a visa. The shooting team is scheduled to leave Dhaka on January 31.

This is going to be the first international tour of the Bangladesh Shooting Federation after the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs is required to carry weapons and ammunition in international shooting. In this regard, the Sports Secretary said that the necessary government order has already been issued by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.