India agrees to participate in 2027 SAF Games in Pakistan, sports separate from bilateral issues
India has given in-principle consent to participate in the 2027 South Asian Federation Games. These games are scheduled to be held in Pakistan from April 4 to April 11, 2027. This decision separates sports from bilateral issues and follows the gov...
By ET Bureau |
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India gives in-principle approval to participate in 2027 SAF Games in Pakistan, keeping sports separate from bilateral issues. (Representative Image)
New Delhi: India has given in-principle consent to participate in the 2027 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games to be held in Pakistan. The decision should be viewed in the context of the government's position that multilateral sporting events will be governed by their own rules and regulations and kept separate from bilateral issues, even as contacts in several other sectors remain suspended following the terror attack in Pahalgam last year.
SAF Games will be held in Pakistan from April 4 to 11, 2027.
This will be the first time since the Pahalgam terror attack that an Indian sports contingent may travel to Pakistan. Details regarding the athletes who will be included in the Indian contingent will be provided in January.
Pakistan is set to host SAF Games after 23 years. The country previously hosted the games in Islamabad in 2004. The 2027 tournament will feature competitions in 28 sports. Pakistan's foreign minister Ishaq Dar has reviewed preparations for the games. He has asked officials to ensure that international-standard facilities, security, logistics and medical support are in place.
