Pakistan will host the South Asian Games from April 3 to 11, 2027. The country will stage the regional event after 23 years. Previously, Pakistan hosted the Games in Islamabad in 2004.
The South Asia Olympic Council Executive Committee approved the dates during a meeting on Sunday. Pakistan Olympic Association President Arif Saeed chaired the session. Moreover, officials reviewed key preparations and finalized plans for the multi-sport event.
Three Cities Selected for Regional Event
The committee approved Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar as host cities. Representatives from Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka attended the meeting in person. Meanwhile, India joined the discussions through a video link.
All participating nations endorsed the proposed dates, according to sources. In addition, a visiting delegation will inspect sporting venues in Islamabad on Monday. Officials expect the inspection to support final planning efforts.
The Games will feature 28 sports and 346 medal events. Organisers expect more than 3,200 athletes to compete across the three cities. Furthermore, many technical officials will participate throughout the competition.
Preparations Enter Final Stage
Pakistan is preparing to welcome nearly 4,000 athletes, officials, and foreign visitors. During the meeting, delegates reviewed ongoing arrangements and organisational measures. As a result, participating countries expressed confidence in Pakistan’s preparations.
The federal government has already approved the event and backed the organising process. Authorities also announced that they will release the required funds. Consequently, stakeholders continue to accelerate preparations.
Pakistan was originally scheduled to host the Games in 2021. However, authorities postponed the event due to various challenges. Now, officials say preparations have entered their final stages, bringing the regional sporting festival closer to reality.
