South Asian Games preparations reviewed

 A delegation from the South Asian Olympic Council (SAOC) visited Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad on Monday to review preparations for next year’s South Asian Games, examining venues and facilities that will host athletes from across the region. The delegation toured several competition venues and assessed ongoing preparations, including facilities allocated for different sporting disciplines. Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Director General Yawar Hussain accompanied the delegation during its visit and briefed officials on the arrangements being made for the multi-sport event. Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) chief Arif Saeed and Secretary General Khalid Mahmood were also present during the inspection. Officials provided the delegation with a detailed briefing on preparations for hosting the Games, including venue readiness, administrative arrangements and other measures required to ensure the event is conducted smoothly. The delegation also inspected venues designated for various sports and reviewed the work currently under way to prepare them for competition. Pakistan is scheduled to host the South Asian Games from April 3-11 with events planned across three cities including Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar. Islamabad will host competitions in 15 disciplines, Lahore to host events in ten disciplines and competitions in three disciplines will be conducted at Peshawar. The South Asian Games bring together athletes from countries across South Asia and are regarded as the region’s major multi-sport competition. The latest venue inspection comes as Pakistan steps up preparations for the Games, with authorities focusing on infrastructure, logistics and operational arrangements ahead of the competition. The SAOC Executive Committee on Sunday also finalsed dates for the region’s major competitions.