1 week ago
Pakistan to Host South Asian Games Across Three Cities
Pakistan plans to hold a large sports competition called the South Asian Games in 2026.
The event will run from April 3 to April 11.
Sports will take place in Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar.
The Games were supposed to happen in 2021 but were delayed several times.
One reason for the delays was the COVID-19 pandemic.
Athletes from South Asian countries are expected to compete in 28 sports.
More than 3,200 athletes may take part.
India has not yet confirmed whether it will send a team.
Pakistan will host the 14th South Asian Games from April 3 to 11, 2026.
Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar were approved as the event’s host cities.
The Games were originally scheduled for 2021 but were postponed several times, including because of COVID-19.
The event will feature 28 sports and 346 medal events, with more than 3,200 athletes expected.
India’s participation remains uncertain despite its representative joining the scheduling meeting remotely.
- Who
- Pakistan, the South Asia Olympic Council and participating South Asian countries are involved; more than 3,200 athletes are expected.
- What
- Pakistan will host the 14th South Asian Games, featuring 28 sports and 346 medal events.
- Where
- Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar, Pakistan.
- When
- April 3–11, 2026; the dates were approved at a meeting held on Sunday and reported on August 26.
- Why
- The Games are being staged after repeated postponements of the event originally planned for 2021, including delays linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pakistan and SAOC optimism
Uncertainty over India’s participation
India’s involvement
Pakistan and SAOC optimism
A Pakistan Olympic Association official said India’s representative joined the meeting remotely and endorsed the dates, describing this as a positive sign that India intended to participate.
Uncertainty over India’s participation
Another official said India’s representative did not confirm participation, while an Indian source said the Indian Olympic Association would follow the Government of India’s policy. India also did not send a team to a recent volleyball tournament in Islamabad.
Key facts
- Edition
- 14th South Asian Games
- Dates
- April 3–11, 2026
- Host cities
- Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar
- Sports
- 28
- Medal events
- 346
- Expected athletes
- More than 3,200
- Last Pakistani hosting
- Islamabad, 2004
Sources
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