ISLAMABAD: In order to host more than 6,000 athletes and officials, Pakistan has stepped up preparations for the 14th South Asian Federation (SAF) Games, scheduled to be held from April 4-11, 2027.
The long-delayed Games will feature competitions in 28 sports and will be held across Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the foreign office said. The quadrennial sporting competition has been held since 1984 under the auspices of the South Asian Olympic Council. Participating nations include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
India emerged as the top-performing nation at the last edition held in Nepal in 2019. The 14th edition, originally scheduled for 2021, was first postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and delayed again in January 2026.
About the preparation for the big event, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting of the Steering Committee on preparations for SAF Games 2027. “In coordination with the South Asian Olympic Committee, the dates for the Games have been finalized from 4th to 11th April, 2027,” the foreign office said.
The committee also approved the appointment of a national coordinator and the composition of the Steering, Organizing and Provincial Committees for the tournament.
Dar directed government departments to maintain coordination, ensure the timely completion of venues and uphold the highest standards for the Games. The event will feature competitions in athletics, swimming, hockey, football, volleyball, boxing and other team sports.
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