Jharkhand is all set to welcome athletes from across South Asia as Ranchi prepares to host the 4th South Asian (SAAF) Senior Athletics Championships 2025. This prestigious three-day sporting event will take place from October 24 to 26, 2025, at the iconic Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium in the heart of the state capital.
๐โโ๏ธ SAAF Athletics Championships 2025
Ranchi hosts South Asia’s premier athletics event
| ๐ Event Dates | October 24-26, 2025 |
| ๐ Venue | Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium, Ranchi |
| ๐ Participants | ~300 athletes from 6 South Asian countries |
| ๐ฎ๐ณ India’s Team | 92-member strong contingent |
| ๐ฏ Edition | 4th SAAF Senior Athletics Championships |
๐ Special Features: Free entry for spectators | Cultural performances | World-class facilities | Medical support available
๐ About the Championship
The South Asian Senior Athletics Championships is a premier athletics competition organized by the South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF), bringing together the best athletic talent from the region. This will be the fourth edition of this prestigious championship, marking a significant milestone for South Asian athletics.
๐ Tournament Highlights
- ๐โโ๏ธ Athletes: 300+ participants from 6 South Asian nations
- ๐ Countries: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and more
- ๐๏ธ Duration: Three action-packed days of competition
๐ฎ๐ณ India’s Strong Contingent
India has fielded a formidable 92-member contingent for the championships, featuring talented athletes across multiple disciplines. The team includes sprinters, middle-distance runners, jumpers, throwers, and relay specialists, all aiming to surpass India’s previous medal tally Learn more about Indian athletics at the Athletics Federation of India official website..
| ๐โโ๏ธ Notable Indian Athletes | Specialty |
|---|---|
| Pranav Gurav | Sprint Events |
| Uttam Patil | Sprint Events |
| Arnav Takalkar | Sprint Events |
“The arrangements are excellent and I am excited to compete in Ranchi.” – Pranav Gurav, Indian Sprinter
๐๏ธ World-Class Venue
The Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium in Morabadi has been meticulously prepared to host this international event. The venue is equipped with facilities that meet international standards, ensuring a fair and competitive environment for all participants.
๐ฏ Organizational Excellence
- ๐ซ Free entry for spectators
- ๐ญ Cultural performances
- ๐ฅ Medical assistance available
- ๐บ Dedicated media pavilions
- โป๏ธ Waste management systems
- ๐ฅ Youth engagement programs
๐ The Grand Inauguration
Chief Minister Hemant Soren is scheduled to inaugurate the championship on October 24, marking the vibrant kickoff of this sporting extravaganza. The official jersey for the championship has already been unveiled, generating excitement among sports enthusiasts across the state.
๐ญ Cultural Celebrations
Beyond athletics, the championship will serve as a platform to celebrate Jharkhand’s vibrant cultural heritage featuring traditional dance forms, music, and folk art during event intervals.
๐ฏ Expected Medal Haul
With India hosting the championship on home soil, expectations are high for a strong medal performance. The Indian contingent has been training rigorously, and officials are optimistic about surpassing the previous medal tally.
๐ Significance for Jharkhand
- Global exposure to state’s sporting infrastructure
- Showcase Jharkhand’s hospitality and organizational capabilities
- Platform to inspire young athletes across the state
- Economic benefits through sports tourism
- Enhanced recognition of Ranchi as a sports destination
๐โโ๏ธ Ready for Glory! ๐โโ๏ธ
The 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championships 2025 represents more than just a sporting competitionโit embodies the spirit of regional unity, sportsmanship, and excellence!
๐ฏ Stay tuned for live updates, results, and highlights from this spectacular three-day sporting extravaganza! ๐ฏ
๐ Meet Dalma – The Official Mascot!ย ย
The championship features an inspiring mascot named “Dalma”, inspired by Jharkhand’s state animal, the elephant, and the majestic Dalma Hills. This adorable mascot beautifully represents the strength, grace, and spirit of the region.
โจ Special Features of Dalma:
โข Adorned with traditional Sohrai and Khovar tribal tattoos – living art forms of Jharkhand’s tribes
โข Dressed in athletic wear featuring India’s national colors
โข Symbolizes “unity in motion” and the forest spirit that lives through Jharkhand’s people
โข Embodies the strength of sport, the grace of the forest, and the heartbeat of every player
โข Represents the deep bond between Jharkhand’s people and its lush forests
Dalma emerges not just as a mascot, but as a symbol of forest grace, community pride, and the collective spirit of competition that defines this championship
