What are the South Asian Games?
The South Asian Games are the regional multi-sport games of South Asia, gathering the national teams of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan (with Afghanistan a historical participant). The 14th edition was staged across Lahore, Faisalabad and Islamabad in January 2026 — Pakistan's first hosting in over two decades.[1] [2]
Who organizes the South Asian Games?
The South Asia Olympic Council, the association of the region's National Olympic Committees, owns the Games and awards each edition; the host NOC stages the event.[3]
When and where are they held?
Nominally every two to four years, though the calendar has been irregular — the 2026 Pakistan edition (23–31 January, 27 sports) was the first since Kathmandu–Pokhara 2019.[1] [2]
Since when do they exist?
The first South Asian Games were held in Kathmandu in 1984, and the event has since rotated among the region's capitals and major cities.[3]
How do athletes qualify?
Entry runs through the member National Olympic Committees, which select national teams within the host program's quotas — standard national-team selection in each sport.[3]
Why do the South Asian Games matter?
For a region of nearly two billion people, the Games are the principal regional title: national-team honors contested against India's world-class programs in sports like athletics, wrestling and shooting, and a key international stage for the smaller nations' athletes.[1] [3]
Who competes?
National teams of the South Asia Olympic Council members — thousands of athletes across some 27 sports at the 2026 edition.[2]
References
- Arab News — Pakistan to host delayed South Asian Games in January 2026. Accessed August 2026.
- Olympic Council of Asia — Three cities in Pakistan to host 14th South Asian Games. Accessed August 2026.
- NOC Sri Lanka — South Asia Olympic Council finalizes key decisions for the 14th Games. Accessed August 2026.