India hosts 4th SAAF Senior Athletics Championships in Ranchi

Jharkhand welcomes six South Asian nations as CM Hemant Soren inaugurates grand sports event

Key Points:

• Ranchi hosts 4th SAAF Athletics Championship after 17 years.
• Six South Asian nations compete across 37 athletic events.
• Hemant Soren vows to strengthen Jharkhand’s sports identity.

RANCHI – Ranchi has become the center of South Asian sports as the 4th SAAF Senior Athletics Championships 2025 began with great enthusiasm and cultural vibrancy.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren inaugurated the championship at Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Morabadi, welcoming athletes from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives.

However, the Chief Minister highlighted that this championship is being held in India after a long gap of 17 years, the last edition taking place in Kochi in 2008. He called the hosting of this event a moment of pride and history for Jharkhand.

Moreover, he mentioned that Jharkhand’s youth have already proven their mettle in cricket, hockey, football, and archery. With this championship, the state will now rise in athletics as well. “We are proud to host this event. It showcases our commitment to sports excellence,” said a source quoting the Chief Minister’s address.

Besides, the event has brought together over 200 athletes and officials competing in 37 athletic disciplines. The championship, jointly organized by the Athletics Federation of India and the South Asian Athletics Federation, will run till October 26.

Meanwhile, the grand opening ceremony featured traditional tribal performances like Chhau, Jhumar, and Paika, highlighting Jharkhand’s vibrant cultural heritage. More than 500 local artists took part in welcoming the visiting athletes.

On the opening day, India dominated the track and field events. Prince Kumar won gold in the men’s 5000m with a time of 14:22.17s. In the women’s 5000m, Sanjana Singh and Seema secured gold and silver, while in men’s shot put, Samardeep Singh Gill bagged gold with a throw of 19.59m.

In addition, Hemant Soren urged the youth to attend the events and cheer for the athletes. He assured that more international competitions will be hosted in Jharkhand to encourage sports culture and infrastructure growth.

On the other hand, sports officials said this event will enhance the state’s reputation as a sporting destination and inspire a new generation of athletes. Plans are underway to develop more training centers for athletics in rural Jharkhand.