Punjab Approves Rs. 1 Billion to Upgrade Lahore Sports Venues for SAF Games
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The Punjab government has approved an estimated Rs. 1 billion for upgrading four sports facilities at Lahore’s Nishtar Park Sports Complex ahead of the South Asian Federation (SAF) Games 2027.
The SAF Games are scheduled to take place from April 3 to 11, 2027, with Lahore set to host competitions in 10 sporting disciplines.
According to a senior government official, work on the required sports venues has already begun. The facilities are being upgraded to meet international standards and accommodate athletes and competitions during the regional event.
Narowal Venue Proposal Rejected
The Punjab government has also decided against a proposal to hold some SAF Games events at the Narowal Sports Complex.
The Punjab Sports Board reportedly reviewed the proposed arrangements and raised concerns about accommodation, transportation and security.
Officials noted that Narowal has limited suitable accommodation for international athletes. Its location near the Indian border was also cited as a factor in the assessment.
The sports board further highlighted the logistical challenges of transporting athletes between Lahore and Narowal on a daily basis, particularly from a security and operational perspective.
As a result, Punjab’s events are being planned around sports facilities available in Lahore.
Islamabad to Host 15 Disciplines
Islamabad is expected to host 15 sporting disciplines during the SAF Games. However, the government official said that venue improvement work in the federal capital had not started at the time of the report.
The Rs. 1 billion allocation for Lahore’s Nishtar Park Sports Complex is currently an initial estimate. The final cost could increase or decrease depending on the requirements identified during the renovation and upgrading process.
The government is expected to continue preparations to ensure that the selected venues are ready before the regional sporting event begins in April 2027.
