South Asian Athletics Championships 2025 begin in Ranchi
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren inaugurates three-day international meet celebrating sportsmanship and South Asian unity.
Ranchi, Oct 25 : The fourth South Asian (SAF) Senior Athletics Championships 2025 began with great fanfare at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Morabadi, on Friday. The three-day international sporting event, inaugurated by Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, marks a significant milestone in the state’s growing prominence as a sports destination.
Athletes from six South Asian nations India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka are competing across 36 medal events in men’s and women’s categories from October 24 to 26. The opening day saw nine events decided, featuring close finishes and strong performances from regional contenders.
The opening ceremony reflected a vibrant blend of athletic pride and Jharkhand’s cultural heritage, with traditional Chhau and Paika dance performances, tribal songs, and percussion ensembles captivating the audience. The stadium was filled with athletes, students, and sports enthusiasts, who cheered as local artists showcased Jharkhand’s colorful traditions to international guests.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said hosting the championship was a moment of pride for the state.
“It is an honor for Jharkhand to host this prestigious international event after a long gap. This championship is not just about sports but about friendship and unity among South Asian nations,” he said.
Soren highlighted the state’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and nurturing young talent.
“Jharkhand’s players have excelled internationally in cricket, hockey, and archery. We aim to promote athletics and other sports by improving facilities and hosting regular competitions. Our vision is to make Jharkhand a leading sports hub in India,” he said.
Welcoming athletes from across South Asia, the Chief Minister said that events like this foster regional camaraderie and people-to-people ties.
“Our artists have extended a traditional Jharkhandi welcome to our guests, reflecting the spirit of unity. Such events deepen cooperation among South Asian nations through sports,” Soren added.
He further stated that the state’s sports infrastructure including stadiums, training centers, and hostels — would be leveraged to ensure the continued growth of athletics and other disciplines.
“The government is committed to making major sporting events a regular feature in Jharkhand,” he affirmed.
The inauguration was attended by Sports Minister Sudivya Kumar, Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari, Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey, Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji, MLAs Kalpana Soren, Shweta Singh, and Suresh Baitha, along with Dr. Lalit Bhanot, President of the South Asian Athletics Federation; Padma Shri Bahadur Singh Sagu, President of the Athletics Federation of India; and Padma Shri Krishna Poonia, former international athlete.
The Chief Minister extended his best wishes to all participants and thanked the Athletics Federation of India and the South Asian Athletics Federation for their support in organizing the championship.
The opening day set an energetic tone for the tournament, celebrating athletic excellence, cultural unity, and Jharkhand’s emergence as a vibrant center for international sports.
