In the Men\u2019s 5000m race, India\u2019s Prince Kumar produced a stunning performance, clocking 14:22.17 seconds to secure the first gold medal of the championship. Currently serving as a constable with Uttar Pradesh Police, Prince showcased remarkable endurance to outpace Sri Lanka\u2019s Vakshan Vicknaraj, who claimed silver with 14:23.21 seconds. The bronze medal went to Mukesh Bahadur Pal of Nepal with a time of 14:25.25 seconds.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India continued its dominance in the Women\u2019s 5000m race, where Sanjana Singh clinched the gold medal, followed by her compatriot Seema, who took silver, marking a 1-2 finish for India in the event.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Adding to India\u2019s golden run, Samardeep Singh Gill, the flagbearer of Team India during the opening ceremony, delivered a commanding throw of 19.59 metres to win the gold medal in Men\u2019s Shot Put. Ravi Kumar, also from India, finished second with 17.95 metres, while Sri Lanka\u2019s Mithunraj took home the bronze medal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the Women\u2019s Shot Put, India\u2019s Dinesh V narrowly missed out on gold, settling for silver with a best throw of 16.14 metres, just 5 cm behind Sri Lanka\u2019s Ashmika Keshan, who claimed the top spot.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With a series of powerful performances across track and field, India announced its intent to dominate the championship, reaffirming its stature as the regional powerhouse in athletics.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Later in the evening, the 4th South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF) Senior Athletics Championships began with great fanfare at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Morabadi, Ranchi, marking Jharkhand\u2019s return as host of an international athletics event after nearly 15 years. The opening ceremony turned into a magnificent celebration of Jharkhand\u2019s culture and sporting spirit, blending tradition and athletic pride on one vibrant stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With a series of powerful performances across track and field, India announced its intent to dominate the championship, reaffirming its stature as the regional powerhouse in athletics.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The evening\u2019s cultural highlight featured nearly 500 artists from across Jharkhand, presenting a grand showcase of the state\u2019s rich tribal and folk heritage under the theme \u201cCulture Meets Courage.\u201d The colourful dances, rhythmic drumming, and live folk performances captured the true essence of Jharkhand\u2019s traditions and enthralled the packed audience and visiting contingents alike.<\/p>\r\n\r\n