WEB DESK: Bangladesh has approved its national shooting team’s tour to New Delhi for next month’s Asian Shooting Championships, days after the country’s cricket team refused to play in India over security concerns, a decision that cost them their place in the T20 World Cup.
Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the T20 World Cup, scheduled from February 7 to March 8, after they declined to tour India, citing safety concerns amid strained political relations between the two neighbours.
The International Cricket Council (ICC), however, rejected Bangladesh’s request to play their World Cup matches in co-host Sri Lanka, saying independent security assessment reports found no major risk and that a late schedule change was “not feasible”.
In contrast, Bangladeshi media reported that the sports ministry has cleared a three-member shooting contingent to compete in New Delhi. The team includes shooter Robiul Islam, coach Sharmin Akhter and jury member Saima Feroze.
National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) Secretary General Pawan Singh confirmed Bangladesh’s participation in the continental event.
“Bangladesh’s participation was confirmed a month ago. Our applications for clearances for all nations have been in process for almost three months,” Singh told Reuters.
He said the NRAI was following all international rules and had full government support.
“We have to follow International Shooting Sport Federation norms and comply with the International Olympic Committee charter,” he added.
Singh also noted that the Bangladeshi contingent did not seek any special security arrangements.
“The Bangladesh team has come to our tournaments many times, so they know our strict protocols well. Maybe that’s why they are confident and have not made any special requests,” he said.
The Asian Shooting Confederation, which is organising the event, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Asian Shooting Championships for rifle and pistol events will be held in New Delhi from February 2 to 14.
