Bangladesh Shooting Team Defies T20 Snub to Compete in India: NRAI Guarantees ‘No Safety Issue’

NRAI says 'no safety issue' as Bangladesh team set to travel India

In a world where politics often spills onto the sporting field, a quiet act of defiance is about to unfold in New Delhi. Just days after the high-voltage drama surrounding the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, a two-member Bangladesh shooting team—comprising shooter Robiul Islam and coach Sharmin Aktar—is set to land in India for the prestigious Asian Rifle and Pistol Championships [[14]]. This move is a powerful testament to the unique, apolitical spirit of Olympic sports, and it comes with a firm guarantee from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI): there is “no safety issue” [[8]].

The decision by the Bangladesh government to clear this trip, despite citing security concerns for its cricketers, sends a nuanced message. It suggests a willingness to separate competitive sport from political posturing, at least in disciplines governed by strict international federations like the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). For the NRAI, this is a moment to showcase not just its organizational prowess but also its unwavering commitment to athlete safety.

Table of Contents

The Context Behind the Visit

The backdrop to this sporting visit is anything but ordinary. The relationship between the Indian and Bangladeshi cricket boards has been strained following the ICC’s decision to exclude Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup 2026, a consequence of the BCB’s refusal to play its matches in India [[19]]. This created a complex diplomatic and sporting impasse.

Against this tense climate, the approval for the Bangladesh shooting team to travel to India is a deliberate and strategic choice [[15]]. Shooting, as a discipline, operates under a different set of rules and a more controlled environment. The sport’s governing bodies, both national and international, have established rigorous frameworks for conduct, security, and athlete welfare, which likely provided the necessary confidence for the Bangladeshi authorities to give the green light [[12]].

NRAI’s Safety Assurance and Government Backing

At the heart of this development is a clear and confident statement from NRAI Secretary General Pawan Kumar Singh. Speaking to the media, Singh categorically dismissed any safety concerns. “I don’t think there is any safety issue in India,” he stated, adding, “We have full support from the Government of India” [[22]].

This assurance is not just a public relations exercise; it’s a reflection of the deep institutional backing the event enjoys. The championships are being held at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in New Delhi, a world-class facility that has hosted numerous international events [[2]]. The involvement of the central government ensures that all logistical and security aspects are handled at the highest level, providing a secure bubble for all participating athletes, including those from Bangladesh.

[INTERNAL_LINK:international-sports-diplomacy] This level of state support is crucial for maintaining India’s reputation as a reliable host for major international sporting events.

Strict Security Protocols for a Weapon-Based Sport

What truly sets the NRAI’s safety promise apart is its inherent expertise in handling a weapon-based sport. Unlike other disciplines, shooting requires the transportation, storage, and use of live firearms within a competitive setting. To manage this, the NRAI has developed what its Secretary General describes as “very strict security protocols” [[8]].

These protocols are multi-layered and comprehensive:

  • Weapon Control: All rifles and pistols are transported under armed guard and stored in high-security armories at the venue. Access is strictly controlled and logged.
  • Athlete Vetting: All participants, including support staff, undergo thorough background checks as part of the accreditation process.
  • Venue Security: The Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges is a secure, gated complex with dedicated entry and exit points, CCTV surveillance, and a dedicated security detail for the duration of the event.
  • Government Coordination: The NRAI works in close coordination with local police and central security agencies to ensure a seamless and safe environment [[22]].

These measures are not new; they are standard operating procedure for every major shooting event in India, ensuring a safe and fair competition for everyone involved.

The Significance of the Bangladesh Shooting Team’s Participation

The arrival of the Bangladesh shooting team is more than just a sporting gesture; it’s a diplomatic one. It demonstrates that even in times of political friction, channels of communication and cooperation can remain open through the universal language of sport. For the athletes themselves, it’s a chance to compete on a global stage and chase their Olympic dreams, free from the baggage of geopolitics.

For the Asian Rifle and Pistol Championships, their presence adds to the event’s legitimacy and prestige. An international championship is only as strong as its field of competitors, and having athletes from across the continent, including Bangladesh, is vital for its success. It upholds the core Olympic values of unity, respect, and fair play.

Conclusion: A Unified Stand for Sport

The journey of the two-member Bangladesh delegation to New Delhi is a powerful reminder of sport’s unique ability to transcend boundaries. The NRAI’s firm stance on safety, backed by robust protocols and full government support, has created a secure environment where competition, not controversy, will be the focus. As the Asian Rifle and Pistol Championships kick off, the world will watch not just for the medals, but for the quiet, dignified display of international camaraderie on the firing line.

Sources

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