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India Grants Visa to Bangladesh Shooters Despite Cricket Concerns
29 Jan
Summary
- Bangladesh shooting team cleared to travel to India for Asian championships.
- This decision contrasts with the refusal for the national cricket team to participate.
- The shooting event is scheduled from February 2 to 14 in New Delhi.
The Bangladesh government has officially approved its shooting team's travel to India for the upcoming Asian Rifle and Pistol Championships. This decision, announced on Wednesday, February 2, 2026, comes shortly after the nation barred its national cricket team from participating in the T20 World Cup hosted in India and Sri Lanka, which runs from February 7 to March 8, 2026. The continental shooting event is slated to take place at New Delhi's Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range from February 2 to 14, with approximately 300 shooters from 17 countries expected to compete.
Bangladesh will send two rifle shooters, Arefin Shaira and Olympian Md Robiul Islam, to compete in the 10m air rifle individual and mixed team events. Uncertainty had loomed over their participation following the cricket team's withdrawal. However, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) confirmed their attendance, with the Ministry of External Affairs granting clearance for visa processing. Reports suggest Bangladesh's government views the shooting event as posing minimal security risks due to its indoor and secured venue.
