The 2019 South Asian Games showcased record-breaking performances and a unique endangered species mascot

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Held across three Nepalese cities, the 2019 South Asian Games brought together 2,715 athletes for 26 sports. Beyond the competition, the event featured a rare mascot, significant stadium renovations, and a series of athletic records that redefined the standards for the regional multi-sport tournament held in December 2019.

The XIII South Asian Games, hosted by Nepal in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Janakpur, took place from 1 to 10 December 2019. The event required significant infrastructure preparation, most notably the renovation of the Dasarath Stadium in Kathmandu. Following damage from a 2015 earthquake, the stadium was restored in under 10 months, increasing its capacity to 20,000 spectators. The Games were represented by a pair of blackbucks, an endangered species native to southern Nepal, chosen as the official mascot to highlight local conservation efforts.

Athletic excellence was a hallmark of the 2019 edition, with numerous records established across various disciplines. Indian shooter Mehuli Ghosh achieved a 10m air rifle score of 253.3, surpassing the existing world record, though it remained unrecognized by the international body ISSF. Other notable feats included Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem setting a javelin throw record of 86.23 meters, and Indian shot putter Tejinder Pal Singh reaching 20.03 meters. Additionally, cricketer Anjali Chand made history by taking 6 wickets for 0 runs in a single international Twenty20 match.

The event was not without administrative and regulatory challenges. Seven nations participated, though Afghanistan was notably absent, having left the South Asian Olympic Council in 2016. Strict participation rules dictated that any event required at least four teams to proceed, leading to the cancellation of paragliding. Furthermore, the integrity of the competition was maintained through rigorous anti-doping protocols. Out of 150 athletes tested at a WADA-accredited laboratory in Qatar, three failed their tests. These individuals were banned for four years, and their medals were reallocated to the athletes who finished behind them, adhering to international athletic norms.

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