Pakistan to Host 2027 South Asian Games

Pakistan will host the 14th South Asian Federation Games, officially called the XIV South Asian Games, from 23 March to 31 March 2027. The multi-sport event will be held in Lahore, Islamabad, and Faisalabad, and more than 3,500 athletes from eight South Asian nations are expected to compete in 27 sports.

South Asian Games

The South Asian Games are a regional multi-sport event for countries of South Asia. The event is organised under the South Asian Olympic Council, which is the governing body for the Games. The participating countries are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation sporting framework.

Host Selection and Timeline

The South Asian Olympic Council announced Pakistan as the host in December 2019. Pakistan Olympic Association President Arif Hassan received the Games flag at that time. The Games were first planned for March 2023 and were later postponed to March 2024, January 2026, and then March 2027.

Pakistan’s Hosting Record

Pakistan will host the South Asian Games for the third time after the 1989 and 2004 editions. The 2027 edition will be the first time that Pakistan hosts the Games outside Islamabad, with events also scheduled in Lahore and Faisalabad.

Important Facts for Exams

• The South Asian Games are also known as the South Asian Federation Games.
• The 2027 edition is the 14th South Asian Games.
• The South Asian Olympic Council is linked to the organisation of the Games.
• The 46th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Preparation and Participation

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved Rs. 11 billion for preparations in July 2026. The estimated overall cost of the Games exceeds Rs. 5 billion, and athletes from eight South Asian countries are expected to take part in 27 sports.