ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Participation in the 2027 South Asian Games in India has been agreed in principle at the regional Olympic level, Pakistan Olympic Association Secretary General Khalid Mehmood said.
Mehmood said Indian representatives accepted Pakistan’s invitation during discussions involving the South Asia Olympic Council (SAOC), with details of the Indian contingent expected to be communicated in January 2027.
India had already taken part virtually in the SAOC Executive Committee meeting in Islamabad on August 23. The Olympic Council of Asia said that Indian Olympic Association representatives P.T. Usha, Roghuram Iyer and Ajay Naranag joined the meeting alongside representatives from other South Asian national Olympic committees.
However, no separate public announcement confirming athletes’ travel has yet been found from the Indian government or the Indian Olympic Association. Indian media had previously noted that participation in Pakistan could still require government clearance.
Pakistan’s latest government schedule places the 14th South Asian Games from April 4 to 11, 2027, with 28 sports staged across Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, has directed organisers to complete the venues on time and to review preparations monthly.
Islamabad is set to host 15 sports, Lahore 10 and Peshawar three. The programme includes athletics, cricket, hockey, swimming, squash, tennis, boxing and other regional disciplines.
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Pakistan last hosted the South Asian Games in Islamabad in 2004. The 2027 edition will therefore bring the regional multi-sport competition back to the country for the first time in 23 years.
