Jharkhand is set to host the fourth South Asian Senior Athletics Championship from October 24 to 26 at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium here that will see participation from more than 200 athletes representing six South Asian countries.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren will inaugurate the three-day international event.
Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sudivya Kumar, Sports Secretary Manoj Kumar, Sports Director Shekhar Jamuar and Jharkhand Olympic Association General Secretary Madhukant Pathak met the Chief Minister at his residence and invited him to the opening ceremony.
Soren said the championship was a matter of pride for Jharkhand and called for a grand and successful event that would highlight the state’s growing stature in global sports.
Preparations at the Morabadi stadium are in the final stage. Officials said that track finishing, lighting, and stage arrangements are being completed. The administration has made elaborate arrangements for accommodation, security, and transport for the visiting teams. The district police have increased deployment around the venue and nearby areas, while traffic authorities have issued a diversion plan to manage crowds. Special passes have been provided to athletes, coaches, and guests.
Teams from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives will compete in various track and field events. Practice sessions have already begun, and the organising committee has adjusted the schedule in line with Ranchi’s weather conditions. Officials said the event will not only strengthen regional sporting ties but also enhance India’s position in South Asian athletics.
For local athletes, the championship brings exposure to international-level competition. Coaches believe it will motivate young sportspersons and promote greater participation in athletics. The state government has been expanding training facilities across Jharkhand, including new academies in Ranchi, Simdega, and Khunti. The opening ceremony will feature performances by tribal and folk artists to showcase Jharkhand’s cultural identity.
Officials expect the event to benefit the city’s economy as well, with hotels and restaurants seeing a rise in bookings. As the countdown begins, Ranchi has turned into a hub of excitement, and the state is preparing to welcome athletes and guests for what promises to be a memorable celebration of sport and culture.