The fourth South Asian (SAF) Senior Athletics Championship began with grandeur at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Morabadi, on Friday. Chief Minister Hemant Soren formally inaugurated the three-day international event, which will see participation from six South Asian nations India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
The stadium was packed with athletes, school students, and sports enthusiasts who gathered to witness the opening ceremony, which combined athletic pride with Jharkhand’s cultural vibrancy. The championship, scheduled from October 24 to 26, features 36 medal events across men’s and women’s categories. Nine medal events were decided on the first day, with several thrilling finishes marking the start of the competition.
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The ceremony began with traditional Jharkhandi performances, including Chhau and Paika dances, tribal songs, and percussion ensembles that celebrated the state’s rich heritage. Local artists showcased the colors and rhythms of Jharkhand’s diverse culture, drawing applause from the crowd and international delegates alike.
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Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said that hosting the championship is a matter of pride for Jharkhand. “It is an honor for our state to host this prestigious international event after a long gap. This is not just a sports competition but also a celebration of friendship and unity among South Asian countries,” he said.
Soren emphasized that the state government is working to strengthen sports infrastructure and create opportunities for young athletes. “Jharkhand’s players have made their mark internationally in cricket, hockey, and archery. Our aim is to promote athletics and other sports by providing better facilities and regular competitions. We want Jharkhand to emerge as a sports hub of India,” he added.
The Chief Minister also extended his greetings to the participating athletes and expressed confidence that Jharkhand’s sportspersons would continue to make the state and the country proud with their performances. “This event will inspire our youth and build a stronger sporting culture across the state,” he said.
Welcoming athletes from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Soren said that Jharkhand values its role in fostering South Asian camaraderie through sports. “Our artists have extended a traditional welcome to all guests through performances that reflect the spirit of Jharkhand’s culture. Such events deepen regional cooperation and people-to-people ties,” he noted.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the state’s sports infrastructure, including stadiums, training centers, and sports hostels, will continue to be utilized for the overall development of athletics and other disciplines. “The government is committed to ensuring that major sporting events become a regular feature in Jharkhand,” he said.
The ceremony 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. Also present were 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 concluded by extending his best wishes to all participants and thanked the Athletics Federation of India and the SAF Federation for their cooperation in organizing the championship. The first day of events set an energetic tone for the championship, reflecting not only athletic excellence but also Jharkhand’s growing prominence on the international sports map.
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