Pakistan will host the 14th South Asian Games from April 3 to 11 next year after the South Asia Olympic Council’s executive committee approved the event’s schedule and hosting rights.
The South Asia Olympic Council’s executive committee meeting was held in Islamabad and chaired by Pakistan Olympic Association President Arif Saeed.
Delegations from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives attended the meeting, while India’s delegation joined via video link.
During the meeting, the schedule for the major sporting event received final approval. Under the plan, South Asian Games competitions will be held in Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar.
The Pakistan Olympic Association president said the country is fully prepared to host the event and has the full support of the federal government.
More than 4,200 athletes and officials are expected to participate in the games. Medals will be awarded in 28 men’s and 25 women’s sports, with a total of 346 gold medals up for grabs.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already approved funding for the event.
