Pakistan Accelerates Preparations to Host 14th South Asian Games 2027
(ASGHAR ALI MUBARAK)
Preparations have officially shifted into high gear as Pakistan readies its infrastructure to host the 14th South Asian Games from April 3 to 11, 2027. Returning to the country after a hiatus of more than two decades, the regional multi-sport extravaganza will be co-hosted across three major cities: Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar.According to an official press release issued by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Media Wing, the revival of this prestigious event on Pakistani soil is a monumental milestone. The government views the tournament as a matter of immense national pride, providing a premier platform to showcase the country’s world-class sporting infrastructure, organizational acumen, and historic hospitality.The Games will feature 28 sports and 346 medal events, with athletes from across the region competing at 28 competition venues in the three host cities.
The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), in coordination with the Pakistan Olympic Association and other relevant stakeholders, is working on comprehensive preparations for competition and training venues, accommodation, transportation, medical services and other operational requirements.
The readiness of the venues and wider arrangements was also reviewed by the Executive Committee of the South Asia Olympic Council (SAOC) during its meeting in Islamabad on August 23-24. Representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka attended the meeting in person, while India participated virtually. The committee was briefed on preparations in Lahore and Peshawar, while the delegation subsequently visited competition venues in Islamabad.
During the Islamabad visit, the SAOC delegation visited the Pakistan Sports Complex, where PSB Director General Yawar Hussain briefed the delegates on the available sports facilities, infrastructure and preparations being undertaken for the Games.
Director General Pakistan Sports Board Yawar Hussain said that hosting the South Asian Games after more than two decades was a matter of immense pride for Pakistan and a significant responsibility for all concerned.
“The Pakistan Sports Board is working closely with the Pakistan Olympic Association and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that our venues and supporting facilities are fully prepared to welcome athletes and officials from across South Asia. The recent visit of the South Asia Olympic Council provided an important opportunity to brief the regional Olympic leadership on our preparations and to receive their observations. We are committed to ensuring that Pakistan hosts a professionally organised, memorable and successful edition of the South Asian Games.”
He said the preparation of venues is being carried out according to the requirements of the respective sports, with necessary maintenance, rehabilitation, upgrading and other works being done wherever required. “The objective is to ensure that athletes are provided with appropriate competition and training facilities and that venues are operationally ready for the Games,” he added.
The South Asian Games will also provide Pakistani athletes, particularly emerging young competitors, an opportunity to compete on home soil before their families, supporters and the wider Pakistani public, while gaining valuable experience at a major regional multi-sport event.
Beyond the sporting competitions, the Games will provide Pakistan with a valuable platform to showcase its sporting potential, infrastructure, organisational capacity, culture and hospitality, while strengthening sporting interaction, friendship and cooperation among the countries of South Asia.
For Pakistan, hosting the Games after more than two decades represents an important milestone for the country’s sporting landscape and an opportunity to create a lasting legacy for sports infrastructure and young athletes.
As Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar prepare to welcome the sporting community of South Asia in April 2027, Pakistan is committed to delivering a professionally organised, memorable and successful 14th South Asian Games in the spirit of friendship, cooperation and unity through sport.
