Festival of Sports in Jharkhand: SAFF Athletics Championship to Be Held from October 24 to 26

Ranchi: A high-level press conference was organized at the Directorate of Sports 

auditorium on Saturday regarding preparations for the upcoming 4th South Asian (SAFF) Athletics Championship 2025 to be held in Ranchi. On this occasion, Sports Director Shekhar Jamuar, Jharkhand Athletics Association 

Secretary Madhukant Pathak, officials

 of the organizing committee, technical representatives, and journalists from various media organizations were present.

Sports Director Shekhar Jamuar announced that the international event will be held from October 24 to 26, 2025, at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Morabadi, Ranchi. The championship is being organized under the aegis of the Department of Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Jharkhand, in collaboration with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and the Jharkhand Athletics Association.

He stated that it is a matter of great pride for Jharkhand to once again host an international athletics competition. The championship will feature around 300 athletes and coaches and 150 technical officials from six South Asian countries  India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.

Jamuar informed that the Morabadi Stadium has been upgraded to meet international standards. The athletic track, warm-up area, medical zone, dope-testing room, media center, and other facilities have been modernized. Strict security arrangements have been made, and a Control Room has been established to monitor the entire event.

Jharkhand Athletics Association Secretary Madhukant Pathak shared that all necessary arrangements for accommodation, meals, transportation, and logistics have been finalized. The arrival schedule of the participating teams has also been confirmed. The Indian team will arrive on October 21, while the Nepalese team will reach Ranchi on October 22. Teams from other countries will also arrive by October 22. A practice session for all participating athletes will be held on October 23.

The inaugural ceremony of the championship will be held on the morning of October 24 in a grand manner, with Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren as the chief guest. The opening event will showcase the folk culture and traditions of Jharkhand, highlighting the state’s rich art, dance, and music on an international stage.

Special seating arrangements have been made for media representatives to ensure smooth coverage of the games. Eight authorized photographers have been granted passes to capture images from inside the field. However, the organizing committee clarified that video cameras or recording devices will not be permitted, in order to maintain broadcasting rights and follow security protocols.

Sports Director Jamuar further announced that entry for general spectators will be free of cost. He emphasized that the purpose of this event is to promote sportsmanship and international friendship, and appealed to the citizens of Jharkhand to attend in large numbers and cheer for the athletes, taking pride in the state’s hospitality.

The organizing committee informed that several sub-committees have been formed for the smooth conduct of the event — including the Technical Committee, Reception Committee, Accommodation Committee, Security Committee, and Media Management Committee. A Liaison Officer has been assigned to each foreign delegation to assist them from arrival to departure.

Concluding the press conference, the officials said that this championship marks a historic occasion for Jharkhand, showcasing the state’s sporting talent, cultural diversity, and organizational capabilities on the international stage. They also appealed to the media for their cooperation, stating that the success of this event will elevate Jharkhand’s image to new heights.