Pakistan to Host South Asian Games in April 2027
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan is set to host the South Asian Games from April 3 to 11, 2027, marking the country’s return as host of the regional sporting event after more than two decades.
The decision was made during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the South Asia Olympic Council in Islamabad. The meeting was chaired by Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) President Arif Saeed.
Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar to Host Events
The organizers have selected 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 joined through video link. According to sources, representatives endorsed the proposed dates.
A delegation is also scheduled to inspect proposed sporting venues in Islamabad as preparations continue.
More Than 3,200 Athletes Expected
The 2027 South Asian Games are expected to feature 28 sports and 346 medal events.
More than 3,200 athletes are expected to participate across the three host cities, while a large number of technical officials and other international visitors will also travel to Pakistan.
Officials are preparing facilities and accommodation for an estimated 4,000 athletes and foreign visitors associated with the event.
Pakistan Preparing for Major International Events
The federal government has approved the hosting of the Games and has committed to providing the required funds to the Pakistan Olympic Association and other stakeholders.
Pakistan was originally scheduled to host the South Asian Games in 2021, but the event was postponed. Officials now say preparations for the upcoming edition are progressing toward completion.
The Capital Development Authority has also started preparations for accommodation and other facilities for international visitors arriving in Islamabad next year.
The capital is expected to host several major international events in 2027, including the South Asian Games, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conference and an OIC meeting.
India’s Participation Still Awaited
India participated in the latest meeting through a video link and its representative endorsed the proposed Games dates.
A government official said this could indicate that India intends to participate in the event. However, another source noted that India’s participation has not yet been formally confirmed.
With preparations underway in the three host cities, Pakistan is now working toward staging the South Asian Games successfully in April 2027.
