No Nipah risk in Delhi, says Sports Secretary as Bangladeshi shooters set to travel

The recent outbreak of the Nipah virus in India’s West Bengal has triggered concern across different parts of Asia, leading several countries to strengthen health screening measures at airports and border points.

Amid the situation, Bangladesh has assured that there is no health risk for its athletes traveling to New Delhi for the Asian Rifle and Pistol Shooting Championship. Bangladeshi shooter Rabiul Islam and national coach Sharmin Akter are scheduled to travel to Delhi on 2 February.

Speaking on the issue, Youth and Sports Secretary Md Mahbub-ul-Alam said to the Daily Sun the government has not received any warning or concern regarding Delhi.

“We have not received any concern from Delhi. The Nipah virus situation is confined to the Kolkata area in West Bengal, not Delhi,” he said.

He further explained that shooting competitions are held in highly restricted environments, where public access is limited and strict hygiene protocols are maintained.

“Shooting venues are restricted zones. There is no mass gathering, and hygiene is strictly maintained. So the risk of infection is very low,” the secretary added.

Md Mahbub-ul-Alam also said that the Shooting Federation of India has assured Bangladeshi authorities of full safety and health measures during the event.

“We held meetings with the Shooting Federation, and they assured us that all necessary security and health measures will be taken. After receiving this assurance, we allowed the team to travel,” he said.

Meanwhile, due to the outbreak in West Bengal, Thailand has started screening passengers at three airports receiving flights from the state, while Nepal has introduced health checks at Kathmandu’s international airport and along its land borders with India.

Earlier this month, five healthcare workers in West Bengal were infected with the Nipah virus, one of whom remains in critical condition. Around 110 people who came into contact with the infected individuals have been placed under quarantine. Nipah is a zoonotic virus that can spread from animals to humans and has a high fatality rate of 40 to 75 percent. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the virus.

Despite the regional concern, Bangladeshi authorities remain confident that the athletes’ participation in the Delhi-based championship will be safe.