The thrilling South Asian Athletics Championships are making a grand comeback in India after 15 long years! The fourth edition of this dazzling event will be held from October 24 to 26 at the famous Birsa Munda Stadium in Jharkhand. This championship is organized by the South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF) and has been eagerly awaited since the last one in Kochi, Kerala, way back in 2008. India is proudly hosting this event for the third time since the very first edition in 1997. Also joining the sports battleground are 206 athletes from six South Asian countries: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives. Unfortunately, Pakistan, despite getting an invitation, is skipping the meet. An official from the organizing committee told PTI, "We sent invitations to all the member countries of the South Asian Athletics Federation. Pakistan is a member country, but they have not given any response to our invite." Originally planned for 2024, the championships faced two delays but excitement has not faded. The three-day extravaganza features 37 medal events, showcasing a mix of experienced athletes and exciting juniors. India's squad of 73 has mainly young stars, with M R Poovamma, named for the women’s 4x400m relay, the only big name. Other medal hopes include Seema, Pranav Gaurav, and Samardeep Gill. Sri Lanka is sending a strong team of 63 athletes, led by the mighty javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage. This national record-holder dazzled with a throw of 86.50m in Bhubaneswar recently and bagged seventh place at the World Championships in Tokyo. India’s challengers in javelin are National Open gold winner Rishab Nehra and silver medalist Uttam Patil, who recently joined India’s elite 80m club with an impressive 80.12m throw. The sprints are set for a blazing duel, especially in the men’s and women’s 100m races. India's young sprinter Pranav Gurav, with a top time of 10.27 seconds from Kochi, is eager to sprint past rivals. India's sprint coach R Seenivasan says, "It will be a close contest between Indian and Sri Lankan athletes in the 100m dash tomorrow." Other countries are also bringing their best: Bangladesh with 20 athletes, Nepal with 27, Maldives with 15, and Bhutan with 8 representatives. For many Indian juniors, this is a golden chance to shine on a big stage. In 2008, India had won a whopping 57 medals, including 24 golds. Though the competition may not be of the highest global level, the local organizers and Jharkhand's government eye this as a launchpad for bigger athletics meets in the future. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren is expected to kick-start the event with an official inauguration. Day one promises fireworks with nine medal events, including the men’s triple jump and shot put. Samardeep Gill, a promising thrower from Madhya Pradesh, is confident: "I'm confident to cross the 20m mark tomorrow," he says, aiming for a personal best. With speedsters dashing and throwers hurling, this championship is set to bring action, pride, and a burst of sports energy to Indian soil! Who will claim the sprint crown? Will Pathirage’s mighty javelin fly furthest? Stay tuned for a sporty spectacle that’s sure to make fans roar!