India Eye Historic Feat at 4th SAAF Meet in Ranchi

Ranchi: India is gearing up to make history as it hosts the 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championships 2025 from October 24 to 26 at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Morabadi, Ranchi.

Returning after more than a decade, this prestigious event will feature top athletes from six South Asian nations — India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. The host nation, known as a regional powerhouse, aims to maintain its dominance, having topped the medal tally in the 2008 Kochi edition with 57 medals, including 24 golds.

India’s team brings together both experienced athletes and promising young talents.

Among men, Sandeep Singh (200m, PB: 20.95s) and Prakash Gadade (800m, PB: 1:47.14s) will lead the track events, supported by Sunil Dawar (1500m) and Prince Kumar (5000m). In the field events, all eyes will be on Mohd Atta Sazid (long jump – 7.79m), Samardeep Gill (shot put – 19.82m), and Damneet Singh (hammer throw – 69.87m).

The women’s lineup is equally formidable, featuring sprinter Sakshi Chavan (200m – 23.78s), middle-distance runner Amandeep Kaur (800m – 2:03.69s), and Seema (5000m – 15:30.70s), a recent World University Games silver medallist. Rising stars Reet Rathor (high jump – 1.81m) and Bhavani Yadav (long jump – 6.44m), along with throwers Yogita (shot put – 16.52m) and Seema (discus – 58.32m), add depth and medal potential.

Madhukant Pathak, General Secretary of the Jharkhand Olympic Association, expressed optimism:

“We are confident of retaining our top position. Nearly half of our team comprises young athletes, which shows India’s commitment to nurturing future stars. We expect to win over 25 gold medals this year.”

He credited India’s success to a strong sports structure:

“Our foundation lies in grassroots development. With over 30 staff members, 200 coaches, and nearly 7,000 athletes at different levels, India’s athletics ecosystem is solid. Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra is its finest example.”

Organized by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and the Jharkhand Olympic Association (JOA), in collaboration with the Government of Jharkhand, the event will see over 80 Indian athletes compete in 37 medal events. Ranchi is ready with world-class facilities, athlete-friendly arrangements, and passionate local support.

Amid the scenic and culturally rich backdrop of Jharkhand, the championship celebrates athletic excellence, unity, and friendship — promising to be a memorable event that inspires the next generation.