ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to roll out the red carpet for the 14th edition of the South Asian Games next year, with the government finalising preparations for the regional sporting spectacle.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar announced the development on Saturday after chairing a high-level steering committee meeting, signaling the country’s commitment to hosting the multi-sport event with the highest standards.
The announcement comes months after the South Asian Olympic Committee (SAOC) reaffirmed Pakistan’s status as the host nation during a meeting held on the sidelines of the 46th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in January 2026.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 chaired a meeting of the Steering Committee on preparations for the SAF Games.
In coordination with the South Asian Olympic Committee, the dates for the Games have been finalized from 4th to 11th… pic.twitter.com/4STLVijz5H
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 5, 2026
With the dates now locked in, the government has set in motion an extensive preparation drive to ensure a seamless and successful tournament.
The steering committee meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Dar, finalised the official dates for the Games in coordination with the SAOC. The 14th South Asian Games will be held from April 4 to 11, featuring a total of 28 sports disciplines. More than 6,000 athletes and officials from across the region are expected to participate in the week-long sporting extravaganza.
Events will be staged across multiple venues in Islamabad, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ensuring a broad geographical spread and showcasing Pakistan’s sporting infrastructure.
نائب وزیراعظم محمد اسحاق ڈار کی زیر صدارت جنوبی ایشیائی کھیلوں کی تیاریوں سے متعلق اسٹیئرنگ کمیٹی کا اجلاس ہوا۔۔ اجلاس میں قومی رابطہ کار کی تقرری اور اسٹیئرنگ، آرگنائزنگ و صوبائی کمیٹیوں کی تشکیل کی منظوری دی گئی۔4 سے 11 اپریل 2027 تک ہونے والے جنوبی ایشیائی کھیلوں میں 28… pic.twitter.com/FxavdNNWZL
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) September 5, 2026
The government also approved the appointment of a national coordinator and finalised the composition of the steering, organizing, and provincial committees to streamline preparations.
During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Dar directed all relevant authorities to maintain close coordination and ensure the timely completion of sports venues and other preparatory work. He stressed the need to uphold the highest standards to guarantee the successful hosting of the regional event.
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Dar also instructed the steering committee to convene monthly meetings to monitor progress and address any issues related to preparations in a timely manner.
The meeting was attended by PM Special Assistant Tariq Bajwa, the PM adviser on inter-provincial coordination, representatives of provincial governments, as well as senior federal and provincial officials.
