Jharkhand's daughter Basanti creates history, Basanti Kumari selected in Indian team for SAF athletics - jharkhands basanti selected for saf athletics a historic achievement

By M. EKHLAQUE Edited By: Shashank Baranwal Updated: Sun, 19 Oct 2025 02:05 (IST) Jharkhand’s daughter Basanti Kumari has created history by making the Indian team for the South Asian Federation (SAF) Athletics Championship. There is a wave of happiness in the entire state because of his achievement. Basanti’s selection has created an atmosphere of excitement in her family and village, and is a proud moment for the state of Jharkhand. Basanti Kumari from Kumardungi selected in Indian team for SAF athletics. Photo Jagran Jagran Correspondent, Chaibasa (West Singhbhum). Basanti Kumari, daughter of the remote Kumardungi block of West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, has created a new history in the world of athletics. Basanti has been selected in the Indian team for the SAF Athletics Competition to be held in Ranchi from October 24 to 26. This competition will be held among athletes from India and South Asian countries like Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Maldives. Remove Advertisement Just Read News Basanti recently won a silver medal with her scintillating performance in the Open National Athletics Championship held in Ranchi. Based on this performance, he was selected in the Indian team, which once again raised the profile of the district and the state. Ajay Nayak, General Secretary of District Olympic Association and handling the coaching of Basanti informed that Basanti Kumari is currently working in Bilaspur Railway. Apart from this, he has also represented India in the World University Games in the year 2024 and 2025. This achievement of Basanti Kumari is not only a personal success but also an inspiration to all those talents of the district who, despite limited resources, are making a mark on the national and international stage based on their passion and hard work. Coming from a rural background, this success of Basanti proved that if the spirit is high and the guidance is right, then no destination is far away. Now the eyes of the people of the district are fixed on his great performance in the SAF Games. This achievement of Basanti Kumari is a matter of pride for the entire Jharkhand and also a source of inspiration for the coming generations. What is SAF Athletics? The full name of SAF Athletics is South Asian Federation Athletics Championship, commonly known as South Asian Athletics Championship. It is an international athletics competition, which is organized between the countries of South Asia. Mainly countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives participate in it. The aim of this championship is to provide an international platform to the emerging athletes of South Asian countries as well as to recognize the regional sporting talent. There are various track and field events in the competition like running, jumping, throwing and relay etc. SAF Athletics not only provides international exposure to the players but also prepares them for the Asian and Olympic level. This event takes place every two to three years and is hosted by different countries. India has been one of the most successful countries in this competition so far. The SAF athletics event also promotes South Asian unity, sportsmanship and mutual cooperation.