Pakistan will host more than 6,000 athletes at the South Asian Games next year, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Saturday. The announcement came after a steering committee meeting that finalised the event’s dates in coordination with the South Asian Olympic Committee (SAOC). The South Asian Games next year, scheduled from April 4 to 11, will see participation from over 6,000 athletes and officials competing in 28 sports.
The meeting, chaired by DPM Dar, also approved the appointment of a national coordinator and the formation of steering, organising, and provincial committees. The multi-sport event will be held across Islamabad, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the SAOC earlier this year retaining Pakistan as the host nation for the 14th South Asian Games. The decision was confirmed during a high-profile meeting on the sidelines of the 46th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia in January 2026.
The South Asian Games next year will mark a significant sporting occasion for Pakistan, which last hosted the regional event in 2004. With 6,000 athletes and officials expected, the scale of the games demands meticulous planning and coordination. DPM Dar directed all relevant authorities to maintain close cooperation and ensure the timely completion of sports venues and other infrastructure. He stressed the need to uphold the highest standards to guarantee the successful hosting of the regional sporting event.
The deputy prime minister also instructed the steering committee to convene monthly meetings to monitor progress and address any challenges that may arise during the preparations. The meeting was attended by PM Special Assistant Tariq Bajwa, the PM adviser on inter-provincial coordination, representatives of provincial governments, and senior federal and provincial officials.
The South Asian Games, also known as the SAF Games, bring together athletes from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Pakistan’s hosting of the South Asian Games next year is seen as a milestone in promoting regional sports and unity. The event will feature a wide range of disciplines, including athletics, cricket, football, hockey, and wrestling, among others.
With the South Asian Games next year approaching, preparations are expected to accelerate in the coming months. The approval of committees and the appointment of a national coordinator signal a structured approach to organising the event. The focus now shifts to venue readiness, logistical arrangements, and ensuring a smooth experience for athletes and officials.
Pakistan last hosted the South Asian Games in 2004, and bringing the event back is considered a major achievement for the country’s sports diplomacy. The government’s commitment to hosting a successful event is evident in the establishment of a dedicated steering committee and the emphasis on monthly progress reviews.
As the hosting nation, Pakistan is determined to showcase its capability to organise international sporting events. The South Asian Games next year will not only provide a platform for regional athletes to compete but also foster goodwill and cooperation among participating nations. With DPM Dar’s directions and the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, the event is poised to be a memorable one.
Source: Geo News