Maldives ends South Asian Athletics Championships with one bronze medal

Maldives wrapped up the South Asian Athletics Championships in Ranchi, India, with just one bronze medal in the women’s 4x100m relay.

The relay team, including Hawwa Muzuna Faiz, Aishath Shaba Saleem, Ziva Moosa Shifau and Ahna Nizar, finished third behind Sri Lanka and India.

Maldives’ had expected a medal in the  men’s 4x400m relay. The team included Hassan Saaid, Adam Rifaath, Hussain Zeek Suad and Hussain Riza, who finished fourth.

The race marked Saaid’s return to international relay competition after a long hiatus.

Bangladesh, like Maldives, also won a single bronze, while Bhutan was the only country to finish without a medal. Bangladesh won its medal by beating the Maldives in the mens 4x 400m relay.

India dominated the championship with 58 medals, including 22 gold, followed by Sri Lanka with 40 medals, 16 of them gold. Nepal secured three gold medals.

Around 300 athletes from six countries competed across 37 events.

Pakistan did not take part, continuing its absence from sporting events held in India due to political tensions.