STAFF CORRESPONDENT

A two-member Bangladesh shooting team on Wednesday received government approval (GO) to travel to India for the Asian Shooting Championships, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from February 2 to 14.

The clearance came at the eleventh hour following prolonged deliberations over Bangladesh’s participation, after the Interim Government had earlier declined to send the national cricket team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup due to security concerns. That decision eventually resulted in Bangladesh being replaced by Scotland in the 20-team tournament.

The country’s top rifle shooter Robiul Islam, who is set to compete in the 10m air rifle event on February 6, is expected to depart for India on January 31. Shooter-turned-coach Sharmin Akter is the other member of the contingent.

Youth and Sports Secretary Mahbub-Ul-Alam confirmed the development to The Daily Star. Asked about the decision to issue a GO for the shooting team while “Only a He

SEE PAGE 9 COL 5