Bangladesh target strong performance in Glasgow

Bangladesh will send a lean 15-athlete squad to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, officials confirmed Tuesday, downplaying medal expectations after their historically successful shooting discipline was dropped from the programme.

The Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) named a 35-member contingent for the 23 July to 2 August event, which includes 20 officials and coaches alongside the competitors.

Despite featuring in just four of the 10 scheduled sports, the tour has drawn scrutiny over a TK3.90 crore budget set against exceptionally bleak podium prospects.

BOA secretary general Jubaidur Rahman Rana defended the heavy outlay, noting that Tk1 crore was spent on a brief training camp, with the remainder covering European participation costs.

"We only had two and a half months of training," Rana said. "There is a severe lack of sports facilities. We even had to share a single venue among four disciplines at different times. The short preparation and the high cost of travelling to and staying in Europe explain the inflated budget."

Bangladesh has traditionally relied on the shooting ranges for Commonwealth glory, bagging two gold, four silver, and two bronze medals in past editions.

With shooting and archery excluded from the scaled-down Glasgow itinerary, hopes for silverware have plummeted.

"In the past, our medals came from shooting," Rana admitted candidly. "Since there is no shooting or archery this time, we are heading to Glasgow simply hoping for a good performance rather than promising medals."

Led by Chef de Mission Saifullah Islam, the delegation comprises seven coaching staff and 13 administrative officials.

For now, the BOA is covering all expenses while awaiting government funds.

On the track, the country's fastest sprinters, Imranur Rahman and Shirin Akter, will line up in the 100m sprint. They are joined by 400m runners Lushad Islam and Nazimul Islam, and long jumper Sapna Khatun.

Gymnasts Shishir Ahmed, Rajib Chakma, and Abu Said Rafi will also vie for honours.

The boxing ring will feature US-based Zinnat Ferdous, alongside Rakib Hossain (55kg) and Ruhin Reza (60kg).

In the pool, Samiul Islam Rafi, Kajal Miah, Sukumar Rajbongshi, and Sonia Akhtar complete the roster.

With the athletics squad arriving in phases, the swimmers will take centre stage at the 23 July opening ceremony at The Hydro-Stadium.

"Since the athletics team will arrive after the opening ceremony, the swimmers will carry both the flag and the baton," Rana confirmed, naming Rafi as the flag bearer and Sonia for the baton relay.

The contingent will begin departing for Scotland from 19 July onwards.