South Asian Games Set for Pakistan Return in 2027; India’s Participation Remains Uncertain

The South Asian Games are set for a long-awaited return, with Pakistan scheduled to host the 14th edition of the regional multi-sport event from April 3 to 11, 2027.

The South Asia Olympic Council (SAOC) approved the dates and venues during its Executive Committee meeting in Islamabad. The competition will be staged across Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar, marking Pakistan's first hosting of the Games since 2004.

The 14th edition was originally scheduled for 2021 but has faced repeated postponements, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest edition had initially been planned for March 2027 before being shifted by a month to April.

The SAOC meeting, chaired by Pakistan Olympic Association president Arif Saeed, also reviewed preparations and the proposed sporting infrastructure. Representatives from Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka attended the meeting in person, while officials later inspected venues in Islamabad.

India's participation, however, remains the biggest unresolved issue.

An Indian representative joined the SAOC meeting through video conference, but Pakistan Olympic Association officials said there was no confirmation that India would send its athletes to Pakistan. While one official viewed India's participation in the meeting and endorsement of the dates as encouraging, another source said the Indian representative did not commit to participation.

India's recent decision not to send a team to a volleyball tournament in Islamabad has added to the uncertainty.

In New Delhi, an official source said the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) would follow the Government of India's policy on participation in events in Pakistan.

The Games are expected to feature 28 sports and 346 medal events, with more than 3,200 athletes projected to participate. Pakistan is preparing for around 4,000 athletes, officials and other international visitors.

The Pakistani government has also moved ahead with the financial preparations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the Games' budget, which is expected to be released shortly.

For Pakistan, hosting the event after a 23-year gap represents a significant opportunity to showcase its sporting infrastructure. But India's eventual decision could prove crucial to the scale, competitiveness and wider significance of the 2027 Games.