LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given approval for the formation of a high-powered committee to oversee preparations for the 14th South Asian Games, which Pakistan will host from January 23 to 31 next year.
The event was originally planned for 2021 but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, later moved to 2025, and is now officially scheduled for January 2026.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has been appointed as the head of the committee.
Sources indicate that the committee’s first meeting is likely to be held in Islamabad on Monday. Members will review multiple aspects of the Games, including overall expenditure, sports infrastructure, and security arrangements.
The body will present its final recommendations regarding the organisation of the event.
Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Rana Sanaullah, Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Pakistan Olympic Association President Arif Saeed, and Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan are also part of the committee. In addition, representatives from law enforcement agencies and the chief ministers of provinces have been included.
Federal secretaries from the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, Finance Division, and Ministry of Interior are also members.
Earlier in February, the Executive Committee of the South Asia Olympic Council (SAOC) held an important meeting in Lahore, marking significant advancement in preparations for the 14th South Asian Games.
The meeting, chaired by SAOC President and NOC Pakistan head Arif Saeed, reaffirmed the collective dedication of South Asian National Olympic Committees to boosting regional sports cooperation and development.
According to an SAOC press release, discussions also highlighted how South Asian athletes—particularly Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra—captured global attention during the Paris 2024 Olympics by winning medals in javelin throw. Their achievements inspired millions across the subcontinent and demonstrated how sports can promote unity, peace, and shared ambition.
This progress, however, came before the outbreak of conflict between Pakistan and India in May.
If circumstances remain stable, the South Asian Games are expected to feature athletes from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, host Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
