The SAF Games or the South Asian Federation Games came into existence from the time when the power of sports became recognized as n essential manner for the strengthening of the movement of SAARC. The growing differences and tensions among the various nations of the South Asian Council were threatening the regional solidarity. To put an end to this and also to increase unity and cooperation among the various nations of the council there was need to form an international sports event in this very region similar to the South East Asian Games (SEA Games) which proved to be popular and was recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia. The concept was discussed officials of the countries in South Asia in 1982, and also at a meeting in Bahrain in 1983. This led to the adoption of a discussion regarding the formation of the South Asia Sports Federation or the South Asian Federation . In the initial years the membership was limited among eight nations in the region, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives. In this regard, both the idea and games acquired a formal, concrete shape when Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal in the year 1984 decided to play the role of the host to the first South Asian Federation Games or SAF games. Barring Afghanistan all the member countries were requested to send their best sportsmen to the venue for the presentation of the sporting skills on this new platform, which would set an example to the rest of the world regarding the strength of the South Asian Federation. However, at the first SAF Games that were held from September 17 to 23, 1984 the number of disciplines were restricted to five only with the Indian sportsmen topping the medal tally through winning 88 medals, of which half were gold. Besides, India also bagged 28 silver and 16 bronze medals. Sri Lanka also performed well by winning seven golds, 11 silver and 19 bronze medals whereas Pakistan got five gold, three silver and two bronze medals. It is to be noted that being the first there were several new records in different sports events, which were shattered in the later years. But at the same time it should also be mentioned that two records that were created in the realm of swimming remains intact till date. Whereas Bula Choudhary of India won the 100-metre freestyle event clocking 1:2:81 whereas the Indian relay team won the 4x100 metre freestyle event which continue to find place in the record books. Again, in that South Asian Federation games Football happened to be the only team game that was included into the scheme of the games and the gold was claimed by Nepal.

From that time the South Asian Federation games or the SAF games are being held in regular interval of two years. But throguhoutthe history of the games the dominance of the Indian sportsperosns has been outatsnding and beyond exception, if not more! For instance, in 1987 India managed to top the medal tally for the third time in succession with 91 gold, 45 silver and 19 bronze. This triumph included winning gold medals in all the events of kabaddi, football, basketball, table tennis (men and women) and volleyball. The same is repeated in the other years also. However, it is to be noted that even the small nations are also making great developments in all disciplines, throwing fresh challenges to the Indian sportsmen. This can be regarded as the greatest success!