The Asian Games, an emblematic sporting extravaganza, stands as the largest multi-sport event on the Asian continent. With its inception in 1951, it has grown to encompass 18 editions, with the 19th edition scheduled for Hangzhou, China, in 2023. India had the distinct honor of hosting the inaugural Asian Games in 1951, with New Delhi serving as the illustrious backdrop. The Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, affectionately known as the National Stadium, played host to all events during this historic occasion, Olympics reported.
The inaugural edition saw participation from 489 athletes representing 11 nations: Afghanistan, Burma (now Myanmar), Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Nepal, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and host India. These athletes competed across 57 medal events, marking the commencement of a sporting legacy. Japan emerged as the victors in the medal tally at the 1951 Asian Games with an impressive haul of 60 medals, closely followed by host India with 51 medals.
The Asian Games' journey began on a note of resilience as the 1951 edition was originally slated for 1950 but was postponed due to logistical challenges. Since then, the event has been held unfailingly every four years, solidifying its reputation as a quadrennial spectacle.
Interestingly, the Asian Games has roots in the Far Eastern Championship Games, also known as the Oriental Olympics, held from 1913 to 1934. Post-World War II, the need for a continental sporting event became evident as more Asian nations gained sovereignty. The idea gathered momentum during the Asian Relations Conference, held in New Delhi in 1947, shortly before India's independence. Notable leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Sarojini Naidu played pivotal roles in envisioning and advocating for this continental sporting event.
The Asian Games Federation (AGF) came into existence on the sidelines of the 1948 Olympics in London, with Guru Dutt Sondhi, a prominent sports administrator representing the Indian Olympic Committee, leading the organization. The AGF took charge of organizing the inaugural Asian Games and remained at the helm until the 1978 Asiad. Subsequently, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) assumed responsibility for the Games. Recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Asian Games is often heralded as the second-largest multi-sport event globally, following the Olympics.
As of now, nine diverse countries have had the privilege of hosting the Asian Games. Notably, Thailand stands out, having hosted four editions, while South Korea has been host thrice. China, with Hangzhou 2022 (postponed to 2023 due to COVID-19), will also mark its third hosting of the Games. India has been host twice, in 1951 and 1982.
Moreover, the host countries and cities for the 2026, 2030, and 2034 Asian Games have already been designated, ensuring the continuation of this remarkable sporting tradition.
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