Bangladesh’s top-ranked TT player Muhotasin sent back from airport, Asian Championship participation in doubt

Bangladesh’s top-ranked men’s table tennis player Muhotasin Ahmed Hridoy was unable to travel to Uzbekistan for the Asian Table Tennis Championship on Saturday despite having a visa, putting the country’s participation in several events in jeopardy.

The rest of the Bangladesh contingent, including two male players, three female players, coaches and officials, reached Tashkent after departing on Saturday night.

Muhotasin was stopped at the airport after a document-related issue prevented airline Air Arabia from issuing his boarding pass.

“Anyone who has been following me over the last few days can probably understand that I’m going through a difficult period in my professional career. And today was another difficult day,” Muhotasin wrote on social media on Saturday night.

“I came to the airport ready to fly to Uzbekistan for the Asian Table Tennis Championships. I waited for three hours, hoping I would still be able to travel with my team. In the end, I couldn’t fly,” he added.

According to sources, Muhotasin had received visa approval but a black mark beside his name on a document from Uzbekistan’s interior ministry reportedly led to the boarding issue.

“It’s difficult to put this feeling into words. Right now, I don’t even know whether I’ll be able to compete at the Asian Championships,” he added.

The men’s team event begins on Monday and requires three players. Muhotasin’s absence leaves Ramhim Lian Bom and Javed Ahmed unable to compete as a team unless another eligible player can be registered and sent to Tashkent in time.

Muhotasin’s absence could also affect Bangladesh’s doubles and mixed doubles entries. He was scheduled to partner Javed in men’s doubles and Mou in mixed doubles.

The tournament will run from October 19-25.