Pakistan to host South Asian Games in April 2027

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to host the South Asian Games from April 3 to 11 next year, bringing the regional sporting spectacle back to the country after a gap of more than two decades.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the South Asia Olympic Council in Islamabad on Sunday. Pakistan Olympic Association President Arif Saeed, who also heads the South Asian Olympic Committee, chaired the meeting.

Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar have been selected as the three host cities for the Games. Representatives from Bangladesh, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka attended the meeting in person, while India joined through a video link. According to sources, all participating representatives endorsed the proposed dates.

A delegation is scheduled to inspect sporting venues in Islamabad as preparations move into a crucial phase.

The Games are expected to feature 28 sports and 346 medal events, attracting more than 3,200 athletes from across South Asia. Pakistan is preparing for around 4,000 athletes, officials and other foreign visitors, making the event one of the country’s biggest regional sporting gatherings in years.

The federal government has already approved the hosting arrangements and assured the Pakistan Olympic Association and other stakeholders that the required funds will be provided.

Pakistan was originally scheduled to host the South Asian Games in 2021, but the event was postponed for several reasons. Officials now say preparations are approaching their final stages as authorities work to ensure that venues, accommodation, transport and security arrangements are ready.

The visiting delegation also toured the Taxila Museum and other historical sites during its visit, highlighting Pakistan’s plans to showcase its cultural heritage alongside the sporting event.

The Capital Development Authority has also begun preparations for accommodation and other facilities for foreign visitors expected in Islamabad next year. The capital is due to host several major international gatherings, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation conference and an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation meeting.

A senior government official said the federal government, Foreign Office and Pakistan Olympic Association were working together to make the upcoming international events successful.

India’s participation, however, remains a sensitive issue. While its representative endorsed the Games’ proposed dates during Sunday’s meeting, officials cautioned that this does not amount to final confirmation of the Indian contingent.

Pakistan last hosted the South Asian Games in Islamabad in 2004. If the April 2027 event proceeds as planned, it will mark a significant return of the regional sporting festival and provide Pakistan with an opportunity to demonstrate its ability to host a large-scale international competition.