Asian Games 2023: A Look at History and Previous Hosts Ahead of Asiad in Hangzhou

The biggest sporting extravaganza of the continent, the Asian Games is fast approaching with the 2023 Asiad to be held in Hangzhou, China. The Olympic Council of Asia is the organisation that looks after the organization of the games and the format of these games is on similar lines as the Olympics. The history behind the introduction of this sporting event is that post World War II, several nations in Asia gained independence. In order to promote a spirit of unity and harmony amongst these nations, a push for an Asian-level game on par with the Olympics rose. Here we look at the various editions of the Asian Games held over the years. On Which Channel Asian Games 2023 Will Be Telecast Live? How To Watch Live Streaming Online of Continental Event in India?

1952 Asian Games – New Delhi – The first ever Asian Games saw the participation of 489 athletes from 11 nations with Japan topping with 24 gold, 21 silver and 15 bronze medals.

1954 Asian Games – Manila – Japan was at the forefront in terms of the medals once again in the second edition of the sporting extravaganza that was held in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines.

1958 Asian Games – Tokyo – This was one of the biggest events of the time with 1820 athletes arriving in Tokyo from 16 countries. The host nation emerged as the winners with 67 gold, 41 silver and 30 bronze medal.

1962 Asian Games – Jakarta – Indonesia had the opportunity to host the Asian Games for the first time back in 1962 with Jakarta being the host city. Japan once again dominated the medals tally with 73 gold, 65 silver and 23 bronze. Israel and Taiwan athletes were denied visas for these games which was a huge talking point.

1966 Asian Games – Bangkok – The fifth edition was held in Bangkok, Thailand with the highlight being the introduction of Women’s volleyball in the competition. Japan topped again with 78 gold, 53 silver and 33 bronze medals.

1970 Asian Games – Bangkok – The host city remained unchanged for the 1970 edition with Bangkok winning the rights after Seoul pulled out due to security threats. Japan emerged as the winner with 74 gold, 47 silver and 23 bronze.

1974 Asian Games – Tehran – The games moved to the Middle Eastern part of Asia with Tehran hosting the 1974 event. Despite grave security threats, the games were organised efficiently. Taiwan was expelled from the games while Israel faced boycott. Japan with 75 gold, 49 silver and 51 bronze emerged as the winners.

1978 Asian Games – Bangkok – Singapore backed out on hosting the games hence Bangkok was provided the opportunity to host the 1978 edition. Japan once again emerged as the winner with 70 gold, 58 silver and 49 bronze. India at Asian Games 2023: Check Full Schedule of Indian Athletes, Important Dates and Contingent Size.

1982 Asian Games – New Delhi – India got their second opportunity to host the games back in the year 1982. A massive 3411 athletes turned up for this competition with Golf, Handball and Women’s hockey and Rowing all featuring for the first time.

1986 Asian Games – Seoul – South Korea finally were able to host an Asiad with the 10th edition being held in Seoul.  Women’s cycling and Judo along with Women’s shotting and Taekwondo made their debut here.

1990 Asian Games - Beijing – The 11^th edition of the Asiad was hosted in the Chinese capital of Beijing, the biggest sporting extravaganza coming to the nation at that time. The Panda was the mascot for the competitions which made a lot of buzz.

1994 Asian Games – Hiroshima – The Asiad held in the Japanese city of Hiroshima in 1994 saw Iraq being suspended due to their involvement in the Gulf war while Taiwan made their entry back to the Asiad.

1998 Asian Games – Bangkok – Jakarta and Taipei were defeated in the bidding for these games by Bangkok, who hosted the 13^th edition and the fourth time the city managed to be the host. China with 129 gold, 78 silver and 67 bronze medals, topped the tally.

2002 Asian Games – Busan – South Korean city Busan became the second in the nation to host an Asiad back in 2002. A total of 44 countries participated in 38 sports featuring 6572 athletes.

2006 Asian Games – Doha – Qatar capital Doha became the second city after Tehran to host the Asiad in middle east. All 45 members of the Olympic Council took part in the event for the very first time which was a first.

2010 Asian Games – Guangzhou – 9704 athletes from 45 nations participated in the Guangzhou Asiad, the second Chinese city to do hold the prestigious event. China topped the medals tally with 199 gold, 119 silver and 98 bronze.

2014 Asian Games – Incheon – The South Korean city of Incheon hosted the 17^th edition of Asiad and featured 9501 athletes from 45 nations with China emerging as the number one in the medal’s tally.

2018 Asian Games – Jakarta and Palembang – the last of the Asiad was held in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang with India failing to bid in time for the event. China dominated the games with 232 medals in total which included 132 gold.

The Asian Games is one of the pinnacles of the sporting championship and the present edition should be no different.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 20, 2023 11:55 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).