Punjab Approves Rs. 1 Billion for Lahore Sports Venues Ahead of SAF Games

The Punjab government has allocated approximately one billion rupees to enhance four venues at Lahore’s Nishtar Park Sports Complex in preparation for the upcoming South Asian Federation (SAF) Games, set to take place from April 3 to 11, 2027. The complex will undergo upgrades to meet international standards, as it is set to host ten sporting events.

According to a senior government official, construction on the necessary venues has already begun. However, the government has declined to consider hosting certain events at the Narowal Sports Complex, due to concerns raised by the Punjab Sports Board. The board expressed apprehensions regarding the availability of appropriate lodging for international athletes, the facility's location near the Indian border, and the potential difficulties in daily transportation of athletes between Lahore and Narowal.

Consequently, the Punjab Sports Board advised against the proposal, and the upcoming events are now being organized around the facilities at Nishtar Park Sports Complex. It is worth noting that Islamabad will host fifteen sporting disciplines, yet venue enhancements there have not commenced yet. The Rs1 billion approved for Nishtar Park Sports Complex is an initial estimate and the final cost may vary depending on the specific requirements identified during the upgrade process.