A whopping 15-country representation will open South Africa's domestic track and field season on Thursday 14 March, at the first leg of the ASA Grand Prix series in Potchefstroom.

Aside from the host nation, the lineups feature athletes from five other African countries - Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Mauritius and Algeria, as well as six European countries - Norway, Finland, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia and the Czech Republic. In addition, China, Qatar and Saudi Arabia will be represented in various other disciplines at NWU McArthur Stadium.

Among the international visitors who have entered, are the likes of Olympic javelin throw silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic, Asian Championships silver medallist Abdullah Abkar Mohammed of Saudi Arabia (100m and 200m), former All Africa Games discus throw bronze medallist Christopher Sophie of Mauritius and European U23 Championships 800m silver medallis, Veera Mattila of FInland.

Foreign athletes are not expected  to have things their way, however, with strong local lineups named across the board.

South African athletes taking part include rising sprint stars Viwe Jingqi (200m), Benjamin Richardson (200m) and Bradley Nkoana (100m), while African 400m hurdles champions Sokwakhana Zazini and Zeney Geldenhuys will turn out in the flat 400m sprints.

Other athletes to watch include former national record holder Jerry Motsau (3 000m) and former World U20 Championships silver medallist Brian Raats (high jump).

In addition, closing out an exciting programme, a South African men's 4x100m relay team will face national squads from Botswana, Denmark, Mauritius and Saudi Arabia.

There  will also be a pre-programme that starts at 2pm, while the main programme will be broadcast live between 6pm-8pm on SuperSport Variety 4.

"Our professionalism in organising and execution of the Series at the different cities has become a reliable and growing source of early season training for international athletes hungry for healthy competition. 

"We also thank the continued cooperation with like-minded sister countries in sending and allowing their athletes to come for preparation and competition in South Africa," said James Moloi , the President of Athletics South Africa. 

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About Athletics South Africa:
Athletics South Africa (ASA) is the national governing body for the sport of athletics (including Track and Field, Cross Country, Road Running and Race Walking) in South Africa, is a member of World Athletics  and the Confederation of African Athletics.  The association was formed in 1995 and is based in Johannesburg. 

ENDS