POA briefs IPC ministry officials about SAG

LAHORE: Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) on Tuesday briefed a delegation of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) about the 14th South Asian Games which Pakistan will host in February next year.

The delegation comprising IPC Secretary Nadeem Irshad Kayani and Additional Secretary Zahoor Ahmed was briefed by the POA Secretary General Khalid Mehmood at the coordination meeting between the two major entities here at the Olympic House.

“This briefing encompassed a thorough presentation that detailed all logistical and operational facets of the Games, including venue allocations, scheduling, sports disciplines, accommodation logistics, financial management, and other ancillary concerns,” the POA said in a press release.

“A consensus was reached on the necessity of conducting regular coordination meetings ensuring the planning and facilitation required for the grand staging of the 14th South Asian Games. Given that Lahore is designated as the central hub for the majority of the Games’ events, it was agreed that the Punjab government would be integrally involved as pivotal stakeholders in the planning and execution process,” it said.

The POA said that the primary agenda of this assembly was to meticulously plan and orchestrate the various competitions slated for the 14th South Asian Games in Pakistan, ensuring a seamless and successful execution.

The POA chief Syed Abid Qadri Gillani updated the attendees about the proactive measures taken by the POA, highlighting a meeting convened with all National Sports Federations (NSFs) on March 9, 2024, at the Olympic House Lahore.

The officials aimed for effective planning and execution of the competitions for each sport featured in the 14th South Asian Games. The previous spectacle had been hosted by Nepal in 2019. It’s a biennial spectacle but it’s the fifth year that the event could not be held so far.