Deadline nears, shooter still awaits government clearance

Just days before the start of the Asian Shooting Championship in New Delhi, uncertainty surrounds Bangladesh’s participation as shooter Rabiul Islam and national coach Sharmin Akter are yet to receive the required government approval (GO), putting their scheduled departure and the country’s presence at the tournament in doubt.

The Asian Shooting Championship is set to begin on 2 February in India’s capital, Delhi. Shooter Rabiul and coach Sharmin were supposed to depart for Delhi on 31 January. However, as of now, neither has received the mandatory government order required for international travel.

According to sources at the National Sports Council (NSC), the file seeking approval has been forwarded to Youth and Sports Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul. The document has yet to return to the NSC, and officials are unable to confirm when the approval might be issued.

With the departure date drawing closer, Rabiul expressed frustration over the situation.

“Our flight is scheduled for 31 January. There are only three days left. I’m not sure whether the government order will come within this time,” said Rabiul. “Still, I’m continuing my preparations.”

If approval is granted, Rabiul will be the sole Bangladeshi competitor at the event. As a member of the Bangladesh Navy, he does not require an Indian visa and can travel immediately once the GO is issued.

However, concerns remain over Sharmin’s participation. Even if she receives the government order, she would still need to complete the visa process, which could prove difficult given the limited time. Failure to secure her clearance promptly may ultimately jeopardise Bangladesh’s participation in the championship altogether.

Attempts to contact Bangladesh Shooting Federation General Secretary Aleya Ferdous regarding any contingency plans were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to multiple phone calls. Sharmin also declined to comment on the matter.

Meanwhile, tensions between Bangladesh and India have reportedly increased following recent cricket-related issues. In this context, officials within the shooting community have expressed concerns over whether Indian visas would be granted, even if the government approval is eventually issued.

As the championship draws near, uncertainty continues to cloud Bangladesh’s prospects at one of Asia’s major shooting events.