Pakistan to Host South Asian Games in April 2027 After 23-Year Wait

The regional sports event will take place across Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar, with more than 3,200 athletes expected to compete.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will host the South Asian Games from April 3 to 11, 2027, marking the country’s return as host of the regional sporting event after 23 years.

The decision came during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the South Asia Olympic Council in Islamabad on Sunday. Pakistan Olympic Association President Arif Saeed chaired the meeting.

Officials approved Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar as the three host cities. Representatives from Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka attended the meeting in person, while India joined through video link.

The participating representatives endorsed the proposed dates, according to sources. A visiting delegation will inspect the proposed sporting venues in Islamabad on Monday.

More Than 3,200 Athletes Expected

The Games will feature 28 sports and 346 medal events. Organisers expect more than 3,200 athletes to compete across the three cities.

Pakistan is also preparing facilities for around 4,000 athletes, officials and other international visitors. Technical officials from participating countries will form a significant part of the event.

During Sunday’s meeting, representatives reviewed Pakistan’s preparations and discussed arrangements for hosting the regional competition.

The federal government has already approved the event and directed the Pakistan Olympic Association and other stakeholders to proceed with preparations. It has also assured the release of required funds.

Pakistan was initially scheduled to host the Games in 2021. However, organisers postponed the event for various reasons. Preparations have now entered their final stages.

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Islamabad Prepares for Major International Events

The visiting delegation also toured the Taxila Museum and other historical locations on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Capital Development Authority has started preparations for accommodation and other facilities for foreign visitors expected in Islamabad next year.

The city will host several major international events during the same period, including the South Asian Games, a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation conference and a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

A senior government official said authorities were working together to ensure the successful organisation of all three events.

The Pakistan Olympic Association, Foreign Office and federal government are monitoring the preparations, the official added.

India Participation Remains Uncertain

India’s participation remains one of the major questions surrounding the Games.

An Indian representative attended Sunday’s meeting virtually and endorsed the proposed dates. A government official said this suggested that India intended to participate.

However, another source cautioned that India’s participation could not yet be confirmed.

The uncertainty comes amid recent tensions between the two countries and concerns over India’s participation in sporting events hosted by Pakistan.

Pakistan last hosted the South Asian Games in Islamabad in 2004. The 2027 edition will therefore represent a significant return for the country as host of the region’s biggest multi-sport competition.