South Asian Games set to be postponed due to clash with ICC Champions Trophy

The 14th South Asian Games, scheduled for February 2025 in Pakistan, are set to be postponed due to clash with the ICC Champions Trophy.

Nukta has learnt through highly credible sources that Pakistan have unofficially informed the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of the participating countries that the timing conflict with the ICC Champions Trophy in February-March 2025 would make it difficult to host the Games.

“We tried to explain that hosting the Games during the ICC Champions Trophy would be extremely challenging,” a source privy to the development told this correspondent.

“We proposed that holding the event in October-November 2025 would be better, and after discussing it with the involved parties, they agreed and were reassured of smooth proceedings.”

The source further added that Pakistan have also notified the NOC president of Nepal and mentioned plans for a South Asian Olympic Council (SAOC) meeting in late November in Pakistan.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka had been potential alternatives to host the event if Pakistan could not, but Bangladesh's interest has waned due to political issues, while Sri Lanka and Nepal have chosen to support Pakistan’s hosting.

“We have already conveyed informally the situation to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Director General Muhammad Yasir Pirzada,” the source said.

Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Director General Muhammad Yasir Pirzada visited the Olympic House, Lahore and met with the President and officials of Pakistan Olympic Association on September 15.Pakistan Sports Board

Nukta has also learnt that, except for India, most South Asian countries, including Pakistan, will be holding their National Olympic Committee (NOC) elections between December and January. These new NOC structures will be responsible for managing preparations next year.

Need for renovation and training of athletes

If the Games are scheduled for the end of 2025, it will allow Pakistan ample time for preparation. While the infrastructure is not inadequate, some renovation and equipment upgrades will be necessary at key venues in Lahore and Islamabad, which will host the event.

Training of athletes may inflate budget

As the host nation, Pakistan will want its athletes to perform well. With the postponement, the country should develop a detailed training plan to aim for at least a runner-up position, as India have dominated the top position.

Pakistan’s performance has dipped in recent events. In the 2010 Games in Dhaka, Pakistan finished second, but dropped to third in 2016 and fourth in 2019, highlighting the need for significant effort in the upcoming edition.

Pakistan athletes during the 2010 South Asian Games in Dhaka.Nukta

However, if Pakistan implements an extensive training program and hires foreign coaches, it may increase the existing allocated budget. The projected cost for hosting the Games is at least Rs7 billion.

Nukta understands that the federal government is hesitant due to financial constraints, but with the Punjab government’s support, the event could be well-managed.

India have shifted their focus to global sporting events and shows less interest in these regional competitions. However, like in recent editions, India are expected to send their young and upcoming athletes, providing them with valuable experience for their development.