Shooter Robiul Islam is still awaiting the government order (GO) required to take part in the Asian Shooting Championships, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from February 2 to 14.
Robiul, Bangladesh’s top rifle shooter, is set to compete in the 10m air rifle event on February 6. The meet will mark his first international appearance since the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. He has been undergoing training since January 4 under the SA Games programme.
“Till today, I haven’t received the GO and I am still waiting for it, although I have already obtained the service GO from the Bangladesh Navy,” Robiul told The Daily Star over the phone on Wednesday.
Asked whether he might face difficulties in obtaining an Indian visa, Robiul said: “As a defence personnel, I do not need to apply for an Indian visa. I can participate with the government order.”
National Sports Council (NSC) director (sports) Mohammad Aminul Ehsan said they are hopeful of receiving the GO soon, as the required documents have already been forwarded to the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
“We have not received the order yet, but we are expecting it soon. We forwarded the letter to the ministry last week with a positive recommendation,” Ehsan told The Daily Star.
When asked whether there were any security concerns surrounding Robiul’s participation -- similar to those raised regarding the national cricket team -- Ehsan said the situation was different.
“We are considering two things. First, shooting is an indoor sport with limited spectators, unlike cricket which is played in large venues in front of big crowds, so there is hardly any security concern. Second, we want to promote friendship through sports. That is why we are hopeful the GO will be issued,” he said.
Coach Sharmin Akter is also scheduled to accompany Robiul to the championship. Unlike previous editions, however, the Bangladesh Shooting Sport Federation (BSSF) is sending only a two-member contingent, whereas earlier teams included multiple air rifle and pistol shooters in both men’s and women’s events.
Attempts to contact BSSF general secretary Ferdows Ara Khanom for clarification regarding the reduced contingent were unsuccessful.
