The second edition of South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF) cross country championships and the 56th National Cross Country Championships commenced at Indira Gandhi Stadium at Kohima in Nagaland this morning. This is the first international event being hosted by the state.

Five South Asian countries namely India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are participating in the championships. Close to 50 Athletes are taking part in the International section, while at the National Level, 34 states and Boards are participating with 378 men and 296 women.

SAAF Cross Country race events include, Men (10 Km), Women (10 Km). U-20 Boys (8 km) and U-20 Girls (6 Km)

Categories for National Cross-Country races are Men (10 Km), Under-20 Boys- (8 Km), U-16-(6 Km). Women-(10 Km), U-20 Girls- (6 Km), Under 18 Girls-(4 Km) and Under 16 Girls (2 Km).