The likes of Neeraj Chopra and others could be travelling to Pakistan next year as media reports claim that India have confirmed its participation for the South Asian Games in 2027. The event will be hosted in Pakistan - Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar.
India's sporting ties to Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai 26/11 attacks are low with further deteoration in relations after the attacks of Pulwama and Pahalgam. Despite that, Pakistan media reports that the Indian delegation at the meet did give confirmation about participation. The games will see 7 countries participating - India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal.
India endorsed the dates
As per Dawn, the Indian delegation approved the dates for the tournament which will be held from March 3 to March 11 in 2027. The decision was taken at the meeting of the Executive Committee of the South Asia Olympic Council held in Islamabad.
While Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka attended the meeting in person, Indian delegates participated through video link. The dates were ratified and endorsed which Pakistan believe is intended as India's wish to participate.
Will Indian athletes travel to Pakistan?
The decision ultimately rests with the Indian government. However, India's push for sporting excellence under the current government could see such a move being possible. India's sporting policy is simple - they will not participate with Pakistan in any bilateral engagements, while would permit so in international and multilateral competitions. It also allows Pakistani teams to participate in such multilateral events hosted in India.
