Rs5.7 billion approved for SAG infrastructure development

Pakistan has approved a Rs5.7 billion package to upgrade sports infrastructure ahead of the South Asian Games, with authorities seeking to ensure venues are ready to host the regional multi-sport event.

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP), chaired by Planning Commission Deputy Chairman and Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, reviewed and approved the development package at a meeting on Wednesday.

The projects include extensive upgrades to facilities at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad, as well as improvements to sports infrastructure in other cities.

Officials said the work is intended to improve the quality, functionality and operational readiness of venues required for the Games, which will bring athletes and teams from across South Asia to Pakistan.

The approval represents a significant allocation of public funds to sports infrastructure as Pakistan prepares to host the regional competition. The investment also reflects the scale of rehabilitation and development work considered necessary to bring existing facilities up to the required standard.

Secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani welcomed the decision, describing it as a major achievement for the country's sports sector.

Wani credited the prime minister and the Planning Commission with supporting efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and said the investment would serve purposes beyond the Games themselves.

“The approval of the Rs. 5.7 billion infrastructure package is a major step forward for the successful hosting of the SAG,” Wani said.

He said the planned upgrades to the Pakistan Sports Complex and other facilities would provide athletes and visiting teams with improved venues while creating a longer-term benefit for Pakistani sport.

The government has increasingly focused on improving sporting infrastructure as Pakistan prepares to host major regional competitions. For the SAG venue readiness will be critical to the smooth conduct of events and the experience of participating teams.

The approved programme covers both the capital's main sports complex and facilities elsewhere, indicating that preparations extend beyond a single host venue.

Wani said the IPC ministry would coordinate with the Planning Commission and other relevant stakeholders to implement the projects and complete them on time.

The authorities will have to ensure that construction, rehabilitation and procurement work progresses in accordance with the operational requirements of the Games.

The investment is expected to leave Pakistan with upgraded sports facilities after the competition, although the immediate priority for officials will be completing the works before athletes arrive.

The SAG will be held in Pakistan from April 3-11 at different venues.