India agrees ‘in principle’ to take part in Pakistan-hosted 2027 SAF Games
- Pakistan to host SAF Games from April 4 to 11, 2027.
- India to submit details of its contingent in January 2027.
- Pakistan last hosted SAF Games in Islamabad in 2004.
India has formally agreed to participate in the 2027 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games, which Pakistan is set to host from April 4 to 11, marking a significant step towards the return of the regional multi-sport event to the country after 23 years, The News reported on Monday.
Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Secretary General Khalid Mehmood said that India was represented at a high-level meeting of the South Asian Olympic Association and agreed to participate following an invitation to the games.
According to Khalid Mehmood, India has agreed in principle at the relevant regional sporting level, while details of its contingent will be communicated in January 2027.
The development came as Pakistan intensified preparations for the staging of the games, with a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reviewing arrangements for the event.
The meeting discussed the support required from the federal government, provincial administrations and relevant institutions to ensure international-standard venues, security, transportation, accommodation, medical facilities and other essential arrangements.
The proposed games will feature competition in 28 sports, with events distributed among Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar.
Islamabad will host 15 sports, including squash, tennis and martial arts, making the federal capital the largest sporting hub of the games.
Lahore will host competitions in 10 sports, including swimming, cricket and hockey. The city’s existing sporting infrastructure and experience of hosting major domestic and international competitions will make it a key venue for the games.
Peshawar will host competitions in three sports, giving Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a direct role in the regional sporting event.
The government has placed particular emphasis on security as the games are expected to bring thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, technical staff, spectators and international media personnel to Pakistan.
DPM Dar has directed the relevant provincial administrations and sports departments to utilise all available resources and complete preparations well before the opening of the games.
The provincial authorities have also been instructed to ensure foolproof security for foreign delegations, athletes, officials, spectators and visiting journalists from their arrival in Pakistan until their departure.
The Pakistan Olympic Association has begun coordination with member countries and relevant regional sporting bodies regarding participation and is expected to remain at the centre of efforts to finalise the participating countries 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 more than two decades.
The games are also expected to generate economic activity in the host cities, with athletes, officials, spectators and journalists contributing to demand for hotels, restaurants, transport and other hospitality services.
For Pakistan’s athletes, the event will offer the advantage of competing before home crowds against strong regional opposition. Sports including squash, hockey, swimming, tennis and cricket are expected to attract substantial interest.
The inclusion of Peshawar will extend the reach of the games beyond the traditional centres of major international sporting competitions and give spectators in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa an opportunity to experience a regional multi-sport event.
The success of the SAF Games will depend on coordination among federal and provincial governments, sports organisations, security agencies, health departments, local administrations, transport authorities, venue managers and other stakeholders.
With the games scheduled for April 4-11, 2027, preparations are expected to remain under close review in the coming months.
