Ranchi gears up for SAAF athletics glory

Ranchi is set to come alive with athletic fervour as Jharkhand hosts the 4th South Asian (SAAF) Senior Athletics Championships from October 24 to 26 at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium. The three-day event will see top athletes from across South Asia competing for glory in 37 track and field events.

Jharkhand Sports Minister Sudivya Kumar unveiled the official logo, mascot, and anthem of the championship on Friday, highlighting the state’s rich sporting and cultural heritage. "The SAAF logo represents the spirit of sports intertwined with the soul of Jharkhand, a land of tribes, culture, and nature," he said. The green-themed logo reflects the state’s lush forests, blending athletic dynamism with cultural authenticity.

The official mascot, ‘Dalma’, draws inspiration from Jharkhand’s state animal, the elephant. According to the minister, Dalma embodies "the strength of sport, the grace of the forest, and the heartbeat of every player." The mascot is adorned with Sohrai and Khovar tribal tattoos, and her athletic gear features India’s national colours, symbolising unity in motion.

Setting the tone for the championship is the official anthem, Jharkhand Bhar De Hunkar Johar, written in the Nagpuri language. The song celebrates the spirit of the games and heralds the rise of new champions.

The inaugural ceremony will begin on October 24 at 6 pm, with around 5,000 young athletes from Jharkhand’s sports training facilities invited to witness international talent up close. "This exposure aims to inspire the next generation of athletes," the minister said.

Athletes from six South Asian countries India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka – will compete, with Pakistan absent from this edition. A total of 300 athletes are expected, including 93 from India, 83 from Sri Lanka, 30 from Nepal, 24 from Bangladesh, 19 from Maldives, and 8 from Bhutan. They will arrive in Ranchi on October 22 ahead of the competitions.

The event marks the third time India is hosting the SAAF Senior Athletics Championships, after the inaugural 1997 edition and the 2008 edition in Kochi. A memorandum of understanding was also signed between the Athletics Federation of India and Jharkhand Sports Directorate to ensure smooth organisation.

With its mix of cultural celebration, sporting excellence, and youth engagement, the Ranchi championships promise to be a memorable showcase of South Asian athletics.