India has agreed in principle to participate in the 2027 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games, which Pakistan is scheduled to host from April 4 to 11 next year. The development marks a significant step toward bringing the regional multi-sport event back to Pakistan 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 after receiving an invitation to the games.
According to Mehmood, India has given its agreement at the relevant regional sporting level, while details regarding the size and composition of its contingent are expected to be communicated in January 2027.
Preparations for 2027 SAF Games Underway
Pakistan has stepped up preparations for hosting the event, with a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reviewing arrangements for the games.
The meeting examined the support required from the federal government, provincial administrations and other relevant institutions. Discussions covered sporting venues, security, transportation, accommodation, medical facilities and other logistical requirements.
The proposed games are expected to feature competitions in 28 sports, with events distributed among three major cities: Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar.
Islamabad to Host 15 Sports
Islamabad will serve as the largest sporting hub of the games, with competitions in 15 sports planned for the federal capital.
The city’s programme is expected to include disciplines such as squash, tennis and martial arts. The concentration of events in Islamabad will require close coordination between sporting authorities and local administration to ensure venues and supporting facilities are ready ahead of the opening ceremony.
Lahore will host competitions in 10 sports, including swimming, cricket and hockey. The city has an established sporting infrastructure and experience of hosting major domestic and international events, making it another key venue for the regional competition.
Peshawar is scheduled to host three sports, giving Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a direct role in the SAF Games and extending the event beyond Pakistan’s traditional centres of international sporting activity.
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Security a Major Priority
Security arrangements are expected to remain one of the government’s main priorities because the games could bring thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, technical personnel, spectators and international media representatives to Pakistan.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has directed provincial administrations and sports departments to use all available resources and complete preparations well before the start of the competition.
Provincial authorities have also been instructed to provide comprehensive security for foreign delegations, athletes, officials, spectators and visiting journalists from their arrival in Pakistan until their departure.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Olympic Association has begun coordinating with participating countries and relevant regional sporting organisations. The association is expected to play a central role in finalising participation and coordinating the respective contingents.
Pakistan to Host SAF Games After 23 Years
Pakistan last hosted the SAF Games in Islamabad from March 29 to April 7, 2004. The 2027 edition will therefore mark the country’s return as host after more than two decades.
The event could also provide an economic boost to the three host cities. The arrival of athletes, officials, spectators and journalists is expected to increase demand for hotels, restaurants, transportation and other hospitality services.
For Pakistani athletes, competing on home soil could provide the added advantage of support from local crowds. Sports such as squash, hockey, swimming, tennis and cricket are likely to attract considerable attention.
The inclusion of Peshawar could further broaden public participation in the event by giving spectators in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa an opportunity to experience a major regional sporting competition.
With the SAF Games scheduled for April 4-11, 2027, preparations will remain under close review. Their successful staging will require sustained coordination between federal and provincial governments, sports bodies, security agencies, health departments, transport authorities, venue managers and other stakeholders.
