14th South Asian Games set for January 2026

• The Executive Committee of the South Asia Olympic Council (SAOC) decided at a meeting in Lahore today to hold the 14th South Asian Games from January 23 to 31, 2026 in Lahore, Faisalabad and Islamabad.

The meeting was chaired by Arif Saeed, President SAOC and National Olympic Committee (NOC) Pakistan and attended by representatives from NOCs Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Aquatics, Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Billiards & Snooker, Boxing, Fencing, Golf, Judo, Karate, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Wushu, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Handball and Beach Handball, Hockey, Mat Kabaddi, Rugby, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball and Rowing have been confirmed for inclusion in the Games.

Rowing, proposed as a second optional sport by the host NOC, will be included once it receives endorsement from at least four NOCs as an additional sport to the already approved programme.

By Susil Premalal