Fourth SAFF Senior Athletics Championship begins in Ranchi, CM Hemant said, Jharkhand is proud

Ranchi, October 24 (IANS). The fourth South Asian Senior Athletics Championship (SAF)-2025 began on Friday at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Morhabadi, Ranchi. Late in the evening, amidst colorful programmes, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren inaugurated the competition as the chief guest and congratulated all the participants. The Chief Minister said that Jharkhand is proud to host sports talents from six countries in this historic competition. He said that this championship is not only a sports platform but also a symbol of unity and brotherhood among South Asian countries. He urged the players to maintain their best performance and sportsmanship. Around 300 athletes from six countries of South Asia—India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka—are participating in this three-day competition. India’s team includes more than 70 players who will challenge for medals in 37 events. There will be 111 medals up for grabs in this competition which will last until October 26. On the occasion of the inauguration of the championship, a team of 500 artists presented spectacular programs based on the cultural heritage and folk traditions of Jharkhand. At the opening ceremony, athletes from all six countries performed in a spectacular procession to the stadium. Team India players proudly moved forward with the tricolor. His confidence and enthusiasm won the hearts of the spectators present in the stadium. State Tourism and Sports Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu, Departmental Secretary Manoj Kumar, Sports Director Shekhar Jamuar and Jharkhand Olympic Association General Secretary Madhu Kant Pathak and officials of various sports associations were present at the inauguration ceremony. The organizing committee kept the entrance to the stadium completely free for the spectators. Strict security and order arrangements have been made at the main venue. –IANS SNC/DKP Share this story Tags