Jharkhand and its capital Ranchi are all set to host the 4th South Asian (SAF) Senior Athletics Championship 2025, scheduled from October 24 to 26 at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Morabadi.

The city, dressed in vibrant colours and cultural motifs, is preparing to welcome athletes, officials, and dignitaries from across South Asia for what promises to be one of its grandest sporting events in 15 years.

The championship will witness participation from six South Asian nations — India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives — with 206 athletes competing in 37 medal events over three days.

In total, 254 participants, including athletes and officials, will take part, comprising 73 from India, 63 from Sri Lanka, 27 from Nepal, 20 from Bangladesh, 15 from the Maldives, and 8 from Bhutan.

The event is jointly organized by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), the Jharkhand Olympic Association (JOA), and the Government of Jharkhand, reaffirming the state’s emergence as a growing sports hub in eastern India.

The opening ceremony, to be held on October 24 at 6:00 PM, will be graced by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who will officially inaugurate the event.

Over 500 artists will perform during the ceremony, showcasing Jharkhand’s rich tribal heritage, folk art, and traditional dance forms.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren said, “Jharkhand takes immense pride in welcoming athletes from across South Asia. Ranchi is ready not only with its world-class sports infrastructure but also to present its deep cultural and tribal traditions. I urge all athletes to play with integrity, experience the soul of Jharkhand, and return as ambassadors of harmony. The city has been decorated around the theme “Where Culture Meets Courage.”

Roads, buildings, and stadiums have been adorned with murals, light installations, and banners. The official mascot ‘Dalma’, inspired by Jharkhand’s wildlife and tribal spirit, and the anthem composed in the Nagpuri language, capture the essence of the state’s cultural soul.

Teams began arriving in Ranchi from October 21, and the Indian contingent has already commenced practice sessions at the venue.

Madhukant Pathak, General Secretary of JOA and Coordinator of SAF 2025, said, “We are confident that India will once again top the medal tally. Nearly 50% of our team comprises young athletes gaining international exposure. Our target is to secure more than 25 gold medals this year.”

India had earlier topped the 2008 Kochi edition of the SAF Championship with 57 medals (24 gold, 19 silver, and 14 bronze). Sri Lanka, traditionally India’s toughest rival in track and field events, is expected to provide strong competition again this year.

Earlier today, Minister of Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Sudivya Kumar, inspected the final preparations at Birsa Munda Stadium, accompanied by senior sports department officials Shashekhar Jamuar and Madhukant Pathak.

The minister expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and praised the organizing committee for their efforts.

Top Indian sprinter Paramjeet Singh emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “Competitions like SAF are crucial in preparation for the 2032 Olympics. They help athletes earn international ranking points and valuable experience, especially for the 60% of participants competing at this level for the first time.”

Other Indian athletes including Sakshi Chavan (200m), Samardeep Singh (Shot Put), Anand (100m), and Abhishek (10,000m) — shared their excitement about performing on home soil and inspiring young talents.

As the countdown nears its end, Ranchi is abuzz with enthusiasm and celebration. Decorated streets, illuminated stadiums, and rhythmic rehearsals of cultural troupes have turned the city

into a festival of sports, unity, and tradition.

With world-class infrastructure, spirited spectators, and meticulous management, Jharkhand stands fully prepared to host the 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championship 2025 an event that unites nations, celebrates culture, and inspires generations.