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The India vs Pakistan match across any sport has been a high-voltage one. However, the intense India vs Pakistan rivalry in cricket provides a different atmosphere. As the South Asian Games 2027 is set to be held in Pakistan, the question is: will India travel to their neighbouring country? In a turn of events, India has confirmed its participation in the competition, as per reports in Pakistan media.
Pakistan is set to host the 14th South Asian Games from April 3 to 11, 2027. This marks the country’s return to hosting the region’s premier multi-sport event after nearly two decades. The last time Pakistan hosted the South Asian Games was in 2004, when the 9th edition took place in Islamabad. This is a big boost for the country’s revenue and sporting culture.
India confirms participation in 2027 South Asian Games in Pakistan
The 14th edition of the South Asian Games 2027 will be held in three major cities, Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar, with Islamabad remaining the main venue for the opening ceremony. As India has confirmed its participation in the South Asian Games next year, the fans will yet again see the India vs Pakistan rivalry in a cricket game in Pakistan.
The Indian representatives dismissed the concerns about potential non-participation due to diplomatic tensions between the two countries. The delegates featured in the South Asia Olympic Council (SAOC) Executive Committee meeting via video conference and expressed their support for the Games being hosted in Pakistan.
28 sports set to feature as Pakistan prepares to host South Asian Games
The South Asian Olympic Council (SAOC) Executive Committee, chaired by Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) President Arif Saeed, officially provided the green light for the schedule and structural framework for the Games during a meeting held in Islamabad. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives attended the meeting in person, as all the respective dignitaries were present.
Lahore and Islamabad will host the majority of competitions and the closing ceremony, and Peshawar has also been scheduled to host some sporting events. A total of 28 sports will be featured in this competition, which includes athletics, swimming, cricket, wushu, boxing, hockey, wrestling, badminton, squash, football, and volleyball. Athletes from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are expected to participate.
In the meeting, the POA of Pakistan provided a tour to the delegates who were present from the respective countries. They displayed videos of Lahore’s facilities, and it showcased that Pakistan is fully prepared to host the forthcoming multisport event.
India-Pakistan sporting ties face another test
The India vs Pakistan duels in recent years have taken a turn due to diplomatic tensions. Especially in cricket, where the two arch-rivals have shared the field in a neutral venue in every major competition. There have been no bilateral series between the two countries since 2013.
The Men in Blue have not travelled to Pakistan due to the political unrest between the two countries. They have always played in neutral venues, with one of them being the host during the World Cups, Asia Cups and Champions Trophy.
Apart from that, post the terror attack at Pahalgam, Kashmir, the mandatory handshakes during the toss and after the match have also been paused. During Asia Cup 2025, the Men in Blue refused to take the trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, which sparked controversy.
