Pakistan is set to host the 14th edition of the South Asian Games in January 2026, according to recent reports following a meeting of the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Committee held on June 2.
The Punjab government has taken on the responsibility of organizing the event, which will feature competitions in 27 different sports.
Lahore will serve as the main venue and will host events including archery, badminton, basketball, boxing, fencing, football, golf, hockey, judo, kabaddi, karate, rugby, shooting, swimming, taekwondo, weightlifting, wrestling, and cricket, as outlined by the Pakistan Sports Board.
During the meeting, the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) presented its proposals to the Ministry of IPC. A high-level committee, led by the IPC Secretary and including representatives from all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, was established to assess these suggestions.
This committee is expected to deliver a comprehensive report within two weeks, detailing plans for budgeting, security, and venue selection.
Officials emphasized the government’s dedication to allocating all required resources to ensure the Games meet international standards. The meeting also focused on identifying potential challenges and devising strategies to address them effectively.
Hosting the South Asian Games is seen as a key opportunity for Pakistan to bolster its international reputation by demonstrating its capability to host large-scale sporting events.
Preparations are already underway by the Punjab government and Islamabad administration to provide top-tier facilities and hospitality for participating athletes and officials.
