NRAI Secretary Asserts India's Safety for Upcoming Asian Shooting Championships
The Secretary General of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), Pawan Kumar Singh, has emphatically stated that there are no safety issues in India regarding the hosting of the Asian Rifle and Pistol Championships scheduled to begin next month. Singh highlighted that the Government of India is providing complete support to the federation for this prestigious international event.
Government Backing and Security Protocols
Pawan Kumar Singh's comments came in response to queries following the Bangladesh Shooting Federation's decision to allow its athletes to travel to New Delhi for the championships. "I don't think there is any safety issue in India. We have full support from the Government of India. Whether it is customs or police, we have full support from them," Singh was quoted as saying by the news agency ANI.
He further elaborated on the security measures implemented by the NRAI, emphasizing the strict protocols in place due to the use of firearms in the sport. "The National Rifle Association of India has a very strict security protocol because we use weapons in our sports. Rifles and pistols will be used, and according to our protocol, when an athlete comes to the airport and clears customs, they hand over the weapon to the NRA team, and when they reach the shooting range, they get the weapon to use to train and participate in competitions," Singh explained.
Bangladesh Team Participation Details
Earlier confirmations revealed that a shooting team from Bangladesh will indeed participate in the Asian Air Gun Championship, which is part of the broader event. The delegation includes:
- One shooter: Robiul Islam
- One coach: Sharmin Aktar
- One jury member
The interim government of Bangladesh has officially approved their travel to India. This decision comes just days after Bangladesh refused to send its national cricket team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing security concerns. Singh addressed this contrast directly, stating, "From the Bangladesh team, one athlete, one coach, and one jury member are coming to India. There is no concern about security, and our country is completely safe."
Context and Implications
This development underscores India's commitment to hosting international sporting events with robust security arrangements. The NRAI's proactive measures and government backing aim to ensure a smooth and secure experience for all participants. The Asian Rifle and Pistol Championships represent a significant opportunity for India to showcase its capabilities in organizing high-profile shooting competitions, potentially boosting the sport's profile in the region.
As preparations intensify, stakeholders are closely monitoring the event's execution, which could set a precedent for future international sports gatherings in India. The successful hosting of this championship may also influence perceptions of India's safety standards in the global sporting community.
