The South Asian Athletic Federation (SAAF) Cross Country Championship 2025 was successfully concluded on 23rd February 2025 at Fathima Jinna Park, Islamabad, drawing top-tier athletes from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. The Championship competition included the Junior Category (8 km) and Senior Category (10 km) turned to a fierce and exciting one, showcasing the best of South Asian athletes in both junior and senior categories.
The Sri Lankan athletes who represented both events emerged first runner up winning Silver Medals in each category while individually won the Gold Medal in the Senior category and the Silver Medal in the Junior category marking a highly successful campaign for the team.
Following athletes represented Sri Lanka teams whilst management included Major General Palitha Fernando (Rtd), President of the Sri Lankan Athletic Association, Mr Saman Kumara Gunawardane, Mr Thilak Chandrlal and Mr Gairana Gamage:
Senior Team – Abeyratna Banda, Damith Kumara, Vicknaraj Vakshan.
Junior Team– Sivagaran Thudiharshidan, Kavindu Madushan, Rajendran Vidushan
The championship also saw the attendance of high-ranking diplomats, with Ambassadors and High Commissioners of the participating countries attending as the guest of honours. The event was graced by the presence of A. Christy Ruban, the Acting High Commissioner and Brigadier D. K. R. N. Silva, Minister Counsellor (Defence) of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Islamabad. Their support and encouragement gave the athletes an additional boost, highlighting the importance of cross-border collaboration in the field of sports.
The championship not only celebrated the athletic achievements of the region but also strengthened the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the participating nations. The Sri Lankan contingent, along with athletes from other countries, expressed heartfelt thanks for the warm hospitality extended by the Government of Pakistan and the event organizers. The success of this championship is expected to pave the way for more athletic exchanges and future collaborations in South Asia.
Sri Lanka High Commission
Islamabad
24th February 2025