InternationalSports

India agrees to participate in Pakistan-hosted 2027 SAF Games

India has agreed in principle to participate in the 2027 South Asian Federation Games, which Pakistan will host in April. The Games are scheduled to be held in Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar, with competitions planned across 28 sports.

Sadia Basharat

Senior Digital Produce7 September 20262 min read

India agrees to participate in Pakistan-hosted 2027 SAF GamesPhoto: QOM

Islamabad: India has agreed in principle to participate in the 2027 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in Pakistan, with the country expected to host the regional multi-sport event from April 4 to 11, according to Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Secretary General Khalid Mehmood.

Mehmood said Indian representatives took part in a high-level meeting of the South Asian Olympic Association and accepted Pakistan’s invitation to participate in the Games. India is expected to provide details of its contingent in January 2027.

Pakistan is scheduled to host the 14th SAF Games across Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar. The event is expected to feature competitions in 28 sports, with preparations under way for venues and other facilities.

Islamabad is expected to host the largest number of competitions, with 15 sports on the programme, including squash, tennis and martial arts. Lahore is scheduled to stage events in 10 sports, including swimming, cricket and hockey, while Peshawar will host three disciplines.

Preparations for the Games were reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Federal and provincial authorities have been directed to ensure the timely completion of venues and arrangements for security, accommodation, transportation, medical facilities and other requirements.

Planning estimates indicate that thousands of athletes, coaches, officials and technical staff are expected to attend the Games. Earlier preparations had envisaged around 3,200 athletes and 346 medal events, while more recent government estimates put the number of athletes and officials at more than 6,000.

India also participated virtually in an August meeting of the South Asia Olympic Council, alongside representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The 2027 Games will mark Pakistan’s return as host after more than two decades. Islamabad last hosted the regional competition from March 29 to April 7, 2004.

While India has agreed in principle to participate, final details of its delegation are expected to be communicated through the relevant sporting authorities in January 2027.