The South Asian Olympic Council (SAOC) member nations have approved holding the 14th South Asian Games in Pakistan in early February 2025. The Games are expected to begin around February 1 or 2, 2025, with Islamabad and Lahore primarily hosting the events.
Lahore will host 18 events, while Islamabad and Rawalpindi will handle nine games. Faisalabad will host the handball competition.
A significant meeting is set for today at the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) office in Lahore, where NOC and Federal Government officials will discuss issues before finalizing the dates for the Games.
Lahore is set to host events in archery, badminton, basketball, boxing, fencing, football, golf, hockey, judo, kabaddi, karate, rugby, shooting, swimming, taekwondo, weightlifting, wrestling, and cricket.
Moreover, Islamabad will host athletics, rowing, squash, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, billiards, snooker, and triathlon.
The government has consulted the Foreign Office regarding the implications of hosting the 14th edition of the Games, considering both regional relations and the event’s significance for the country’s international reputation. There has been an unprecedented delay in hosting the event, initially scheduled for 2021 but postponed due to Covid-19.
Initially, the POA had planned to host the event in March 2024, but now it is likely to be held in February 2025. The POA has submitted an estimated budget of Rs9 billion, later reduced to Rs7 billion, for hosting the event.
The significant amount also includes Rs3 billion for infrastructure development and Rs4 billion for hosting the Games, covering expenses like gear, accommodation, and food for around 5,000 athletes and officials from South Asian countries.
The POA faces considerable pressure from South Asian member countries to either host the Games soon or transfer the hosting rights to Sri Lanka, where the next edition is planned.
Pakistan Olympic Association officials mention that by the time the Champions Trophy is in full swing, the 14th SA Games will have ended.