India agrees to participate in 2027 SAF Games in Pakistan
Proposed games to feature competition in 28 sports, with events distributed among Ismabad, Lahore and Peshawar
ISLAMABAD: India has formally agreed in principle to participate in the 2027 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan from April 4 to 11, paving the way for the return of the regional multi-sport event to the country after more than two decades.
Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Secretary General Khalid Mehmood said India was represented at a high-level meeting of the South Asian Olympic Association, where it agreed to participate following Pakistan’s invitation.
According to Mehmood, India has given its consent at the relevant regional sporting level, while details regarding the size and composition of its contingent are expected to be communicated in January 2027.
The development comes as Pakistan steps up preparations for hosting the games, with a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reviewing arrangements for the regional sporting event.
The meeting examined the support required from the federal government, provincial administrations and other institutions to ensure international-standard sporting venues, security, transportation, accommodation, medical facilities and other essential arrangements.
The 2027 SAF Games are expected to feature competitions in 28 sports, with events planned across Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar.
Islamabad will serve as the largest sporting hub, hosting competitions in 15 disciplines, including squash, tennis and martial arts.
Lahore will stage events in 10 sports, including swimming, cricket and hockey. The city’s established sporting infrastructure and experience of hosting major domestic and international competitions are expected to make it a key venue.
Peshawar will host three sports, giving Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a direct role in the regional sporting spectacle.
Security has been identified as a major priority, with the games expected to bring thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, technical personnel, spectators and international media representatives to Pakistan.
Dar has directed provincial administrations and sports departments to utilise all available resources and complete preparations well ahead of the opening ceremony.
Provincial authorities have also been instructed to provide foolproof security to foreign delegations, athletes, officials, spectators and visiting journalists from their arrival in Pakistan until their departure.
The POA has meanwhile begun coordination with participating countries and regional sporting bodies over participation arrangements. The association is expected to play a central role in finalising the participating nations and their respective contingents.
Pakistan last hosted the 9th SAF Games in Islamabad from March 29 to April 7, 2004. The 2027 edition will therefore mark the country’s return to hosting the regional multi-sport event after a gap of more than 23 years.
The games are also expected to provide an economic boost to the host cities by increasing demand for hotels, restaurants, transportation and other hospitality services.
For Pakistani athletes, the event will provide an opportunity to compete on home soil in front of local crowds while facing strong regional opposition. Disciplines such as squash, hockey, swimming, tennis and cricket are expected to draw considerable public interest.
The inclusion of Peshawar will also broaden the geographical reach of the games, allowing spectators in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to witness a major regional sporting event.
The successful staging of the SAF Games will require close coordination among federal and provincial governments, sports organisations, security agencies, health departments, local administrations, transport authorities and venue management teams.
With the games scheduled for April 4-11, 2027, preparations are expected to remain under regular review in the months ahead as Pakistan works to ensure a successful return of the regional sporting event.
