AFZAL JAVED

ISLAMABAD: In a major boost for regional sports and Pakistan’s international sporting profile, the South Asian Olympic Council (SAOC) has again unanimously confirmed Pakistan as the host of the 14th South Asian Games, scheduled to be held from 23 to 31 March 2027.

The landmark decision was taken during a high-level meeting of South Asian Olympic countries on the sidelines of the 46th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Tashkent.

The meeting was chaired by HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, OCA Vice President for South Asia, and attended by Presidents and Secretaries General of the National Olympic Committees of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

President of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and SAOC, Arif Saeed, represented Pakistan at the meeting, alongside Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), who officially conveyed the Government of Pakistan’s firm commitment to successfully host the Games.

Following detailed deliberations, the South Asian Olympic family authorized the Pakistan Olympic Association / NOC Pakistan to finalize operational arrangements, including the flexibility to adjust the event schedule within a one-week window, if required for logistical or technical reasons.

It was further unanimously agreed that the sports disciplines and events will remain unchanged, as finalized during the SAOC Executive Committee Meeting held in Lahore on 25 February 2025.

During the session, Federal Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani assured full government support, stating that all participating athletes and officials will be provided maximum facilities, security, and logistical assistance. He also extended an invitation to South Asian countries to visit Pakistan in May 2026 to review preparations and strengthen regional sports cooperation.

It is pertinent to note that the South Asian Games, originally scheduled for January 2026 in Pakistan, were postponed earlier. The latest decision now firmly places Pakistan back on the regional sporting map, reinforcing its role as a capable and committed host for major international multi-sport events.