India agrees to send athletes to Pakistan for 2027 SAF Games: Reports

India has reportedly agreed in principle to participate in the 2027 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in Pakistan, potentially paving the way for Indian athletes to travel to the neighbouring country for a major multi-sport event for the first time since the Pahalgam terror attack.

According to a News18 report citing Pakistani media, India was represented at a high-level meeting of the South Asian Olympic Association, where it is understood to have accepted Pakistan’s invitation to compete in the Games. The event is scheduled to be held from April 4 to 11, 2027.

If the participation is formally approved, details of India’s contingent are expected to be communicated in January, the report said.

The development comes against the backdrop of strained India-Pakistan relations following the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed.

Pakistan last hosted the SAF Games in Islamabad in 2004. The 2027 edition is expected to mark the return of a major multi-sport event to Pakistan after more than two decades.

The Games are expected to feature competitions in 28 sports, with Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar designated as host cities.  Around 6,000 athletes and officials are expected to compete across 28 sports disciplines.