South Asian Games to be Held in Pakistan in 2026

ISLAMABAD: The Inter-Provincial Coordination Committee (IPC) convened a meeting on June 2 in Islamabad concerning the arrangements for the South Asian Games. During this session, it was formally announced that Pakistan will host the Games by January 2026.

The Punjab government has consented to be the primary host for this major sporting event, as revealed during the assembly.

Athletes will participate in a total of 27 different sports at the games.

Detailed briefings covering every aspect of hosting the South Asian Games were delivered during the meeting. The federal advisor was informed that the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) had already submitted its recommendations to the Ministry of IPC.

Subsequently, a high-ranking committee has been established under the guidance of the Secretary for IPC. This committee is composed of representatives from all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

The newly formed committee is charged with assessing the POA’s recommendations and presenting a thorough report to the government within a two-week timeframe.

Furthermore, the committee will develop proposals related to budget allocation, security protocols, and the selection of appropriate venues for the sporting event.

It was underscored that the Government of Pakistan is committed to allocating all essential resources to guarantee that the games are organised in accordance with global benchmarks.

The meeting also featured comprehensive discussions regarding potential obstacles in the lead-up to the event, with a strong focus on proactive measures to prevent disruptions.

The session highlighted the importance of hosting international events such as the South Asian Games in projecting a favorable image of Pakistan on the international stage.

It was additionally pointed out that the Punjab government and Islamabad administration are actively collaborating to deliver exceptional venues and hospitality services for all participating athletes and officials.