Pakistan is set to host the South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in April 2027, ending a 23-year gap since the country last held the regional multi-sport event, after India formally agreed to participate in the tournament.
The confirmation came during a high-level meeting of the South Asian Olympic Association, where Indian representatives were present to discuss arrangements for the Games.
Pakistan Olympic Association Secretary General Khalid Mahmood confirmed that India had given its consent to compete, describing the development as a positive step for the event.
Islamabad has been selected as the host city, with competitions scheduled across 15 sporting disciplines, including squash, tennis and martial arts. The SAF Games bring together athletes from South Asian nations and are held periodically under the South Asian Olympic Association.
Pakistan last hosted the Games in 2004, and the return of the event after more than two decades is expected to draw significant regional participation. India’s confirmed involvement is seen as a key factor in the tournament’s scale, given the size and strength of its contingent in South Asian sporting competitions.
Preparations for the 2027 Games are expected to move forward with further announcements on venues, schedules and participating disciplines in the coming months.
