The evening session of Day 2 at the 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championships 2025 in Ranchi promises intense track action, headlined by the men’s 400m final, hurdles showdowns, and women’s 400m heats.
With a mix of rising Indian athletes and experienced Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi runners, the Morabadi Stadium is set for a pulsating night of competition.
Men’s 400m Final: Battle of Experience vs Youth (19:20 hrs)
The men’s 400m will feature a thrilling contest between India and Sri Lanka two nations that have historically dominated the one-lap event in South Asia. Sri Lanka’s Kalinga Kumarage enters as the clear favourite, boasting a personal best of 45.07 seconds, well ahead of the rest of the field. The 32-year-old is the only sub-46-second runner in the lineup and will aim to challenge the meet record (45.67s) and perhaps even threaten Sugath Thilakaratne’s SAAF record of 44.61s from 1998 a long-standing regional benchmark.
India’s duo Mohammed Ashfaq (46.86s PB) and Rashid (46.99s PB) will look to put pressure on Kumarage early on the back straight. Both youngsters have shown steady improvement this season and will hope to convert their strong national-level form into continental success. Sri Lanka’s Kalhara Silva (46.26s PB), another 19-year-old prospect, could emerge as the dark horse his smooth stride and powerful finish make him a real threat in the final 100m.
Bangladesh’s Md Hafizur Rahman and Md Lushad Islam, along with Nepal’s Yubaraj Bika and Maldives’ Suad Hussain Zeek, complete the lineup. For many of them, breaking the 47-second barrier would mark a significant career milestone. The event remains one of South Asia’s premier tests of endurance and speed and with four men under 47 seconds this season, the final promises fireworks under the Ranchi lights.
Women’s 400m Heats India and Sri Lanka Dominate Entry Lists (17:50 hrs)
The women’s 400m heats are expected to set the stage for a blockbuster final tonight. The competition will feature two strong Indian entries Neeru Pathak and Steffi Olimba both under 54 seconds this season.
In Heat 1, Pathak will start in Lane 4, carrying a personal best of 52.78s, which places her among the top two contenders in the region. Her closest challenge will come from Sri Lanka’s Sayuri Mendis (52.97s PB), who has a fluid stride and excellent bend running ability. The heat also features Bangladesh’s Barsha Khatun, Maldives’ Aminath Layana, and Nepal’s Jayerani Tharu.
In Heat 2, Sri Lankan veteran Nadeesha Ramanayaka the reigning national champion leads the way with a PB of 52.61s. India’s Steffi Olimba (53.75s PB) will look to qualify comfortably but could also push Ramanayaka for top position in the heat. Bangladesh’s Nusrat Jahan Runa and Nepal’s Ramita Kumari Tharu will seek to clock competitive times to make it through as one of the two fastest qualifiers (q).
The top three from each heat (Q) and the next two fastest (q) will advance to the final, where the SAAF Meet Record of 53.13s (K. Kutty, 1997) could be under serious threat. Given the quality in this field, a sub-53 second final is not out of the question.
Women’s 100m Hurdles Final India Eye Another Gold Medal (17:30 hrs)
India’s sprint hurdlers have been in top form this season, and the women’s 100m hurdles final presents another golden opportunity. Leading the pack is Moumita Mondal, who has clocked a personal best of 13.22s, making her the top seed. Her smooth hurdle clearance and rhythm between barriers have made her a consistent performer on the domestic circuit.
Her compatriot Nandhini K (13.45s PB) isn’t far behind, and the two are expected to push each other hard as India aims for a 1-2 finish. The Sri Lankan duo of Lakshika Wijewera (13.68s PB) and Wathsala Kumari Hapuarchchi will look to upset India’s dominance, though they’ll need a near-perfect race to stay competitive. The SAAF record — 12.78s by Jyothi Yarraji (Chengdu 2023) remains safe for now, but the meet record of 13.84s (1998) looks almost certain to fall in Ranchi.
Men’s 110m Hurdles Final Tight Contest on the Cards (17:00 hrs)
The men’s sprint hurdles event will open the evening’s track programme with a strong lineup from India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. India’s Krishik M (13.84s PB) and Manav R (13.86s PB) are evenly matched and expected to lead the charge. The two young hurdlers have been training under India’s revamped sprint-hurdles system and could both dip below 13.80s with clean races.
Sri Lanka’s Wijayalath Pedi Sandun Kosala (PB 13.89s) and Roshan Dammika (PB 13.89s) add serious depth to the field, while Nepal’s Chandra Dev Joshi and Ram Prasad Tharu round off the competitors.
The record books again point to India’s current dominance Tejas Shirse’s 13.41s (2024) SAAF record might stay untouched, but the meet record of 14.21s should be comfortably rewritten.
As Day 2 unfolds in Ranchi, India will look to build on their strong start from Day 1, while Sri Lanka led by its seasoned quarter-milers and hurdlers will aim to reclaim their traditional stronghold on the sprints.
With the 400m finals and hurdles in focus, spectators can expect a blend of emerging young talent and experienced campaigners, all striving to etch their names in South Asian athletics history.
