India agrees to participate in 2027 SAF Games in Pakistan, sports separate from bilateral issues

Synopsis 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 government's stated policy. Pakistan is set to host the SAF Games after a gap of twenty-three years. Preparations for the event are currently being reviewed by Pakistan's foreign minister. iStock 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. Read more: Guwahati, Shillong likely to host South Asian Federation Games this 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. Read more: AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026: Indian women's team registers second consecutive win, beating Malaysia 11-1 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.