South Asian Games dates finalized

Pakistan will host the 14th South Asian Games from April 3-11 next year, with Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar selected as host cities. The decision was taken at the Executive Committee meeting of the South Asian Olympic Council (SAOC) at the Marriot Hotel in Islamabad. Pakistan Olympic Association’s (POA) President Arif Saeed chaired the meeting. The meeting was attended by the representatives from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives while India's group attended the meeting via video link. The POA Secretary General Khalid Mahmood and officials from the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination also attended the meeting. The Games will feature competitions in 28 men's and 25 women's sports, with 346 gold medals at stake. More than 4,200 athletes and officials from participating countries are expected to attend the regional multi-sport event. The committee was briefed on preparations, including competition venues, logistical arrangements and plans for staging events across the three host cities. Islamabad will be the main centre of the Games, while Lahore and Peshawar will also host competitions. The preparations would now be accelerated following approval of the schedule and other administrative arrangements. Arif Saeed said Pakistan was fully prepared to host the event and that the government was providing support to ensure it was staged successfully. "All possible measures will be taken to make the South Asian Games a spectacular and memorable event," Saeed said. He added that the prime minister had already approved funds for the Games, allowing preparations to move ahead. Pakistan has previously hosted the South Asian Games in 1989 and 2004, making next year's event its third time as host. Sports Desk added: Meanwhile it has been learnt the Islamabad venues will be inspected by the foreign delegates on Monday. They were also shown videos of the venues of Lahore which will also host the closing ceremony. The opening ceremony will be held in Islamabad.