The championship flag was formally handed over to Chandigarh during the closing ceremony of the 2nd Asian Relays Championships 2026 held in Shaoxing, China. It was brought to Chandigarh by Sorabh Kumar Arora, Director Sports, Union Territory Chandigarh Administration, who represented the Chandigarh Administration at the continental championship.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary of Union Territory Chandigarh H. Rajesh Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor of Punjab Vivek Pratap Singh, Sports Secretary Prerna Puri, members of the Athletics Federation of India, representatives of the Chandigarh Athletics Association, and other senior officers of the Chandigarh Administration.
Addressing the gathering, Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria described the occasion as a proud milestone for Chandigarh and said the city was honoured to host the next edition of the prestigious continental athletics championship. He stated that the event would be the biggest international sporting competition to be hosted in Chandigarh since the 1989 Asian Rowing Championships and would further strengthen the city's position as an emerging destination for international sporting events.
The Administrator announced that the championships will be held at the Sector 7 Sports Complex, which will be upgraded to international standards before the event. He said the Chandigarh Administration is working in close coordination with all stakeholders and is taking all necessary measures to ensure world-class sporting infrastructure, comprehensive security arrangements, and seamless event management.
Kataria said hosting an international championship of such magnitude would inspire young athletes, encourage greater participation in athletics, and provide local sportspersons with a valuable opportunity to witness leading relay teams from across Asia competing on home soil. He added that the championship would also promote tourism while showcasing the rich culture and heritage of Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana before an international audience.
The Asian Relays Championships is a prestigious continental athletics competition organised by the Asian Athletics Association. The tournament brings together the leading relay teams from across Asia to compete in men's, women's, and mixed relay events, including the 4×100 metres and 4×400 metres races. With Chandigarh now officially assuming hosting responsibilities, preparations are set to begin for one of the region's most significant athletics championships.
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