Pakistan is set to have the much-anticipated 14th South Asian Recreations in 2026, as declared by the South Asian National Olympic Committee amid a assembly held on Tuesday. Initially planned for 2021, the occasion was put off due to the Covid-19 widespread. Presently, the recreations will take put from January 23 to 31, 2026, over three major cities: Lahore, Faisalabad, and Islamabad.
The assembly, chaired by Pakistan Olympic Affiliation (POA) president Arif Saeed, was gone to by agents from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives, whereas an Indian representative joined essentially. The members reaffirmed their commitment to reinforcing territorial participation through sports.
Despite the declaration, concerns stay over India’s interest, as the Indian Olympic Affiliation may battle to get a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from its government. India’s political position has already affected donning occasions, raising questions over their contingent’s nearness in Pakistan.
During the assembly, the surprising accomplishments of South Asian competitors, especially Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem and India’s Neeraj Chopra in spear toss, were recognized. Their exhibitions at the Paris 2024 Olympics brought South Asia into the worldwide highlight, exhibiting the control of sports in cultivating solidarity and motivating youth over the region.
A key choice taken amid the assembly was the finalization of occasion categories by Walk 31, with specialized handbooks subject to endorsement by the important Asian leagues. Also, the South Asian Olympic Committee Structure Survey Committee will be built up to adjust its approaches with the Olympic Chamber of Asia.
A add up to of 27 wearing disciplines have been endorsed for the South Asian Diversions 2026, with paddling being included as an discretionary wear, pending support from at slightest four National Olympic Committees. The affirmed sports include:
Swimming, Arrow based weaponry, Sports, Badminton, Billiards & Snooker, Boxing, Fencing, Golf, Judo, Karate, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Marathon, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Wushu, Ball (3×3 and 5×5), Cricket, Football, Handball, Shoreline Handball, Hockey, Tangle Kabaddi, Rugby, Volleyball, Shoreline Volleyball, and Rowing.
The South Asian Diversions 2026 will be a noteworthy donning occasion for Pakistan, giving a stage for territorial competitors to exhibit their ability and fortify cross-border relations through sports.
