New Delhi: The National Rifle Association of India has asserted that there were no security or administrative concerns in hosting Bangladeshi shooters for the Asian Rifle and Pistol Championships scheduled to begin in New Delhi on February 2. The clarification comes against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s recent decision to withdraw its men’s cricket team from matches in India, citing safety issues.
Officials from the Indian shooting body stated that Bangladesh’s participation followed the same process as any other country competing in the championship. Confirmation of Bangladesh’s entry was received well in advance, nearly a month before the deadline for submissions, and all required clearances were completed smoothly.
According to the NRAI, standard approvals were obtained from the relevant Indian authorities, including ministries responsible for internal security, external affairs and sports. No special or additional assurances were sought by the Bangladesh shooting federation or its government beyond the established international protocols that apply to all teams, particularly those travelling with firearms.
The association emphasised that shooting events operate under stringent safety norms, especially with regard to the handling of weapons and the controlled movement of athletes. These measures, officials noted, have been consistently followed at previous international competitions hosted in India and remain unchanged for the upcoming championships.
The issue has drawn attention due to Bangladesh’s earlier refusal to send its cricket team for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches in India, a decision that led to its replacement in the tournament. That move was taken despite assessments indicating no specific threat to players or officials. In contrast, Bangladesh later cleared the travel of a shooter and a coach for the New Delhi event, citing the secure nature of the venue.
Officials familiar with the matter pointed out that shooting is an indoor sport with limited spectator presence, unlike cricket, which is played in large stadiums before massive crowds. This distinction was cited as a key reason for allowing participation, along with a broader intent to promote sporting ties and cooperation.
Reaffirming its preparedness, the NRAI said it remains fully confident in the arrangements for the championships and stressed that the event would proceed without disruption, supported by robust protocols and coordination with government agencies.
