Shooter Robiul Islam heads to India after government clearance

Bangladesh has officially cleared the path for its shooting contingent to participate in the upcoming Asian Air Gun Championship hosted in India. This decision marks a notable shift in the interim government’s stance regarding cross-border sporting events. The delegation, though small in size, carries significant importance for the regional sports landscape.

Aleya Ferdousi, the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Shooting Federation, confirmed the development. She noted that the contingent consists of one elite shooter, Robiul Islam, and his coach, Sharmin Aktar. According to the federation, the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus has provided the necessary permissions for the duo to travel. They are scheduled to arrive in India on January 31.

This move is particularly striking given the recent history of sporting ties between the two nations. Previously, the interim administration had blocked the national cricket team from participating in the T20 World Cup held in India, citing security anxieties. That refusal led the ICC to replace Bangladesh with Scotland for the tournament.

While the cricket board's earlier decision forced Scotland into Group C alongside teams like England and the West Indies, the shooting federation has managed to secure a different outcome. By approving this trip for the Asian Air Gun Championship, the current administration signals a potential easing of travel restrictions for specialized sporting delegations.

Fans and sports analysts are viewing this as a positive step for Robiul Islam, who now has the opportunity to represent his nation on a major international stage. The shooter will be looking to make his mark in India, supported by the technical expertise of coach Sharmin Aktar.

With Agency Inputs