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India has reportedly agreed in principle to participate in the 2027 SAF Games in Pakistan, marking a potential return for Indian athletes after a long gap.
Indian men’s hockey team. (AP Photo)
India has reportedly agreed in principle to participate in the 2027 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in Pakistan. If the agreement goes through, Indian atheletes would be going to Pakistan for the first time since the brutal Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 citizens in the Kashmir Valley, taking the cross-border diplomatic and sporting relationship to a historic low.
As per reports in Pakistani Media, India was represented at a high-level meeting of the South Asian Olympic Association, where it accepted Pakistan’s invitation to compete in the Games, scheduled to be held from April 4 to 11, 2027. The details of India’s contingent will be communicated in January.
Pakistan last hosted the SAF Games in Islamabad in 2004, and this event will mark the return of multi-sports events in the country after over two decades. The edition is expected to feature competitions across 28 sports, with Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar serving as host cities.
Islamabad will stage 15 sports, including squash, tennis and martial arts, while Lahore will host 10 disciplines, including cricket, hockey and swimming. Peshawar has been allocated three sports.
Indian cricketers last played in Pakistan in 2008. But India has never sent a cricket team to participate in SAG in the previous two men’s and one women’s edition.
The report said preparations have intensified in Pakistan since the update, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reviewing arrangements and directing federal and provincial authorities to ensure international-standard facilities. Security, accommodation, transportation, medical support and venue readiness have been identified as key priorities.
Authorities have also been instructed to provide comprehensive security for foreign athletes, officials, spectators and international media throughout their stay. The Pakistan Olympic Association has begun coordinating with participating countries and regional sporting bodies.
Quick Answers
Ask News18The 2027 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games are scheduled to be held from April 4 to 11, 2027, in Pakistan. Pakistan will host the 14th edition of the Games, more than two decades after last hosting the event in 2004.
Ask News18September 07, 2026, 5:10 PM IST
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