South Asian Games

The South Asian Games (also known as SAF Games, SAG, or SA Games) is a multi-sport competition, held after a gap of every two years. The first edition of the South Asian Games was hosted by Kathmandu, Nepal in the year 1984 in which athletes from 7 nations participated (in five sports). The South Asian Sports Council (SASC) was formed in the year 1983 and is the governing council of the South Asian Games. These Games are often termed as the South Asian version of Olympic Games. The idea of South Asian Games was first presented at a meeting between 7 South Asian nations during the 11th Olympic Congress in Germany held in 1981. The Games are recognized by the International Olympics Committee (IOC). The objective of the games is to contribute to regional co-operation, build friendship and mutual understanding between the people of the South Asian Nations through the development of sport in the region. The participating nations from South Asia are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. 

Other versions:

• South Asian Beach Games - The first South Asian Beach Games were held in Hambantota, Sri Lanka in 2011.
• South Asian Winter Games - The first South Asian Winter Games were held in Dehradun and Auli, in the Uttarakhand, India in 2011. The games were administered by the Indian Olympic Association & the Winter Games Federation of India.