Web Desk: Pakistan will host the long-delayed 14th South Asian Federation Games from April 4 to 11 next year, with about 6,000 athletes and officials expected to take part across 28 sports, the foreign office said Saturday.
The regional competition will be staged in Islamabad as well as venues in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the government.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting of the steering committee overseeing preparations for the event, where officials finalised the dates in coordination with the South Asian Olympic Committee.
The SAF Games, held every four years under the South Asian Olympic Council, bring together athletes from Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
The 14th edition was initially planned for 2021 but faced repeated delays. The coronavirus pandemic forced the first postponement, while organizers pushed the event back again in January 2026.
The previous edition took place in Nepal in 2019, with India finishing as the most successful nation in the medal standings.
Athletes will compete in 28 disciplines, including major events such as athletics, swimming, hockey, football, volleyball and boxing.
The programme will also include a range of other team and individual sports, giving competitors from across South Asia an opportunity to compete at a regional level.
With thousands of participants expected, the event will require coordination between federal and provincial authorities as well as sporting bodies.
The steering committee approved the appointment of a national coordinator and finalized the membership of the steering, organizing and provincial committees responsible for preparations.
Dar instructed government departments to work closely with one another, complete sporting venues on schedule and maintain high standards throughout the tournament.
The government said the preparations would focus on ensuring that facilities and organizational arrangements are ready before athletes arrive for the eight-day competition.
The return of the SAF Games to Pakistan will give the country an opportunity to host one of South Asia’s largest multi-sport events after years of postponements.
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