Jharkhand to Host 4th South Asian (SAAF) Senior Athletics Championships 2025

Ranchi ready to welcome athletes from six South Asian nations; Logo, mascot, anthem, and jersey unveiled

Jharkhand is gearing up to host the 4th South Asian (SAAF) Senior Athletics Championships 2025 from October 24 to 26 at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium, Ranchi. The three-day continental event will witness participation from six South Asian nations — India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka — with around 300 athletes and 150 technical officials expected to attend.

Logo, Mascot & Anthem

At a grand unveiling ceremony in Ranchi, the state revealed the official logo, mascot, and anthem of the SAAF 2025 Championships — each reflecting Jharkhand’s tribal roots, natural beauty, and athletic pride.

The Logo: Unity of Tradition and Sport

The SAAF 2025 logo embodies “the spirit of sports intertwined with the essence of Jharkhand — The Land of Sports, Tribes, Culture, and Nature.”

• Inspired by Jharkhand’s tribal art forms and natural symbols — including the state bird, tree, flower, and animal.

• A green palette represents Jharkhand’s lush forests and ecological abundance.

• The design blends athletic dynamism with cultural authenticity, symbolizing unity, pride, and tradition.

  
  

The Mascot: “Dalma” — Symbol of Strength & Grace

The mascot, “Dalma,” is inspired by Jharkhand’s state animal, the elephant, and named after the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary. Dalma signifies strength, grace, and endurance, bearing Sohrai and Khovar tattoos — traditional tribal art forms that connect Jharkhand’s people to their forests.

• Dressed in athletic whites infused with India’s tricolor, Dalma stands for “Unity in Motion.”

• The mascot reflects the region’s deep bond with nature and the collective spirit of competition.

  
  

The Anthem: A Soulful Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Written in Nagpuri (a regional Jharkhand language), the official anthem merges tribal beats with contemporary rhythm. Instruments like the Mandar, Nagaara, and Flute create a soundscape that reflects Jharkhand’s vibrant rhythm and anticipation of new champions.

As tribal drumbeats blend with stadium rolls, the anthem amplifies the event’s theme — the unity of spirit, sport, and sound.

India’s Strong Contingent & Legacy

India will be represented by a powerful contingent of 81 athletes, competing across 37 medal events. The country holds a proud legacy at the South Asian Athletics Championships:

• At the 3rd edition in Kochi (2008), India topped the table with 57 medals — 24 gold, 19 silver, and 14 bronze.

• Sri Lanka followed with 7 gold, 9 silver, and 15 bronze.

This will be the third time India hosts the South Asian Athletics Championships — after the inaugural edition in 1997 and the third in 2008, both held in Kochi, Kerala.

Now, in 2025, the Championships return to India and Jharkhand, where the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium will echo with the rhythm, energy, and excellence of South Asia’s finest athletes.

Jharkhand: The Land of Sports, Tribes, Culture, and Nature

The championship’s theme — “The Land of Sports, Tribes, Culture, and Nature” — reflects Jharkhand’s cultural depth and natural richness.

• The state’s tribal communities, forest heritage, and sporting passion together define its unique identity.

• With world-class infrastructure like the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium, Jharkhand is positioned as a growing sports hub in India.

The event also aims to promote regional unity, cultural exchange, and environmental awareness — making it not only a sports competition but also a celebration of identity and connection.