Bangladesh’s shooting team is set to participate in the upcoming Asian Shooting Championships in New Delhi. This decision comes shortly after the Bangladesh cricket team’s withdrawal from India, which led to their elimination from the Twenty20 World Cup due to safety concerns.
Cricket Team’s Withdrawal and Its Consequences
The Bangladesh cricket squad withdrew from their scheduled tour to India, citing security issues stemming from strained political relations between the two nations. This decision resulted in Bangladesh being replaced by Scotland in the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place from February 7 to March 8.
Shooting Team’s Approval to Compete in New Delhi
Despite the cricket team’s concerns, the Bangladesh Ministry of Youth and Sports has approved a three-member shooting team to travel to New Delhi. This group consists of shooter Robiul Islam, his coach Sharmin Akhter, and jury member Saima Feroze. Their participation is confirmed for the Asian Shooting Championships, happening from February 2 to 14.
Confirmation from Indian Authorities
Pawan Singh, secretary-general of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), has confirmed the participation of the Bangladesh shooting team. He stated that their involvement was established a month prior and emphasized that the necessary clearances for participating nations had been processed for nearly three months.
Security Protocols in Place
- Bangladesh’s shooting team did not request additional security measures.
- NRAI follows strict protocols to ensure athlete safety during events.
- The team is familiar with these norms, contributing to their confidence in participating.
Conclusion
The contrasting fates of the Bangladeshi cricket and shooting teams highlight varying perceptions of safety in different sporting contexts. As the shooting squad prepares for the championships, all eyes will be on how they perform amidst this backdrop of political tension.
