Pakistan to host South Asian Games in April 2027 after 23-Year gap

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to host the South Asian Games from April 3 to 11 next year, marking the country’s return as host of the regional sporting spectacle after a gap of 23 years.

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

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

A delegation is scheduled to inspect the proposed sporting venues in Islamabad on Monday as preparations enter their final phase.

The Games will feature 28 sports and 346 medal events, with more than 3,200 athletes expected to compete across the three cities. Pakistan is preparing to accommodate around 4,000 athletes and foreign visitors, including a large contingent of technical officials.

The federal government has already approved the hosting of the Games and assured the POA and other stakeholders that the required funds will be released. Pakistan was originally scheduled to host the South Asian Games in 2021, but the event was postponed for various reasons. The country last hosted the regional Games in Islamabad in 2004.

Officials said preparations are being closely monitored by the POA, Foreign Office and federal government, with all stakeholders working together to ensure a successful event.

The Capital Development Authority has also begun preparations for accommodation and other facilities for foreign visitors expected in Islamabad next year, particularly as the capital is scheduled to host several major international events.

A senior government official said the government was taking every possible measure to ensure the success of the South Asian Games, as well as the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation conference and an OIC meeting.

The question of India’s participation, however, remains uncertain. While India’s representative joined Sunday’s meeting virtually and endorsed the proposed dates, officials cautioned that this did not constitute final confirmation of its participation.

The visiting delegation also toured the Taxila Museum and other historical sites on Sunday as part of its visit to Pakistan.

With preparations accelerating, Pakistan is now gearing up for its first South Asian Games as host in more than two decades, with Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar set to become the centre of regional sporting activity in April 2027.