History of the Asian Games.

The spirit of the Games builds up over a long period of time, and passes from one Games to the next spreading messages of unity, warmth and friendship through competitive sport. This is despite differences in language, culture and physical boundaries.

The warmth of the Asian Games comes not only from the symbolic Flame, but from the relationships established between individual athletes, coaches, trainers, officials, volunteers and spectators coming together from many different backgrounds and cultures. This is the spirit of the Games.

The Asian Games are about friendships forged and fellowship beyond frontiers. This is one of the legacies of the Games.

Here is a brief history of sports in Asia since the 1st Asian Games in 1951, and the events and experiences that have helped build the spirit of the Games. Sport in Asia was celebrated long before the Asian Games with the Oriental Games, which date back to 1913.

History of sports in Asia

1st Oriental Olympics Manila, Philippines 1913. Six countries participated over eight days - Philippines, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong.

2nd Far East Championships up to 10th Far East Championships until 1934.

11th Oriental Championships. This was scheduled to be held in Tokyo, Japan in 1938. It was cancelled because of the Second World War.

The concept of the Asian Games was formalised in New Delhi in 1949. Following an agreement in 1949, the Asian Track and Field Championship was established. After the second meeting, the participating countries agreed to adopt the Asian Games Charter (which was based on the Olympic Charter), leading to the establishment of the Asian Games Federation.

A History of the Asian Games 1951 - 2006

Delhi 1951

Manila 1954

Tokyo 1958

Jakarta 1962

Bangkok 1966

Bangkok 1970

Tehran 1974

Bangkok 1978

New Delhi 1982

Seoul 1986

Beijing 1990

Hiroshima 1994

Bangkok 1998

Busan 2002

Doha 2006

Doha 2006 will be the largest Asian Games ever with 45 countries and regions taking part in 39 sports and 423 events. This is the first time the Asian Games has been hosted in the GCC region, and only the second time after Iran in 1974 for the Games to be staged in the Middle East. The countdown is underway.