Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday inaugurated the 4th SAFF Senior Athletics Championship 2025 at Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Morabadi. The event marks a proud moment for Jharkhand as the state hosts this prestigious championship after a long gap.
Athletes from across South Asian nations — India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka — are participating in the tournament, which is expected to enhance Jharkhand’s reputation on the international sports stage.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said that the youth of Jharkhand have consistently demonstrated passion and dedication toward sports. “From cricket and hockey to archery, players from Jharkhand have brought pride to both the state and the country on international platforms,” he stated.
A performance during the opening ceremony of the 4th SAFF Senior Athletics Championship 2025 at Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Morabadi, on Friday. (Theorist photo)
He expressed confidence that Jharkhand’s athletes would deliver outstanding performances in this championship as well. “We must all come together to cheer for our athletes and boost their morale. I am sure they will make both Jharkhand and India proud with their achievements,” he added.
South Asian Nations Receive Warm Welcome in Ranchi
Extending a warm welcome to athletes from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the Chief Minister said that the visiting participants were greeted with Jharkhand’s rich art, culture, and traditional folk dances during the opening ceremony. “Our government is committed to promoting such events regularly so that sports continue to flourish in the state,” Soren remarked.
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He praised the energetic atmosphere at the stadium, noting how Jharkhand’s youth turned up in large numbers to support the athletes. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Athletics Federation of India and all participants for their contributions to the event’s success.
A glimpse from the opening ceremony of the 4th SAFF Senior Athletics Championship 2025 at Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Morabadi, on Friday. (Theorist photo)
Jharkhand Strengthening Sports Infrastructure
Hemant Soren emphasized that Jharkhand has built strong sports infrastructure, which will continue to be utilized effectively for future national and international competitions. “The government is committed to the overall development of sports by ensuring optimal use of existing facilities,” he said, extending best wishes to all participating athletes.
The event was graced by Sports Minister Sudivya Kumar, Health Minister Irfan Ansari, Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey, Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji, MLAs Kalpana Soren, Shweta Singh, and Suresh Baitha, SAFF President Dr. Lalit Bhanot, Padma Shri awardee and Athletics Federation of India President Bahadur Singh Sagu, and Padma Shri awardee and former international athlete Krishna Poonia, among other dignitaries.
