Revival of South Asian Athletics: A New Dawn for Junior Talent

The South Asian Senior Athletics Championships are set to make a grand return on Friday at the Birsa Munda Stadium, marking the fourth edition after a 15-year break. This regional event is being revived under the South Asian Athletics Federation after its last outing in Kochi, India, in 2008.

With 206 athletes from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives, the championship will span three days, featuring 37 medal events. Despite an invitation, Pakistan has chosen not to participate. For India, the focus is on nurturing junior athletes in the absence of many senior stars.

Sri Lanka emerges as India's primary competitor, especially in men's javelin throw, led by record-holder Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage. The competition provides an important stage for new talents, with Indian athletes like Pranav Gurav and Samardeep Gill poised to make their marks.