View source for Asian Games

{{Short description|Asian multi-sport event}}
{{for-multi|the recent games, held in Hangzhou|2022 Asian Games|the next games, to be held in Nagoya|2026 Asian Games|the winter games|Asian Winter Games}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox recurring event
| name          = Asian Games
| image         = Asian Games logo.svg
| image_size    = 200px
| list_years    = yes
| list_sports   = yes
| organisations =
* [[Olympic Council of Asia]]
* [[National Olympic Committee|NOCs]]
}}
{{Infobox sporting event organization
| name = Asian Games
| abbreviation = Asiad
| image = 
| motto = Ever Onward
| formation = [[1951 Asian Games]], [[New Delhi]], India 
| recurrence = Four years
| last = [[2022 Asian Games]], [[Hangzhou]], China 
| next = [[2026 Asian Games]], [[Aichi Prefecture]] and [[Nagoya]], Japan 
| purpose = [[Multi-sport event]] for nations in [[Asia]]
| headquarters = [[Kuwait City]], Kuwait
| leader_title = President
| leader_name = [[Randhir Singh (sports administrator)|Raja Randhir Singh]]
| website = 
| remarks = 
}}
{{Olympic Games infobox}}

The '''Asian Games''', also known as '''Asiad''', is a [[continent]]al [[multi-sport event]] held every four years for [[athlete]]s of [[Asia]].<ref>{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/chinasgreatleapb0000word | url-access=registration | page=[https://archive.org/details/chinasgreatleapb0000word/page/51 51] | quote=Asian Games (also known as Asiad). | title=China's Great Leap: The Beijing Games and Olympian Human Rights Challenges | publisher=Seven Stories | isbn=9781583228432| date=2011-01-04 }}</ref> The Games were regulated by [[Asian Games Federation]] from the [[1951 Asian Games|first Games]] in [[New Delhi]], [[India]] in 1951, until the [[1978 Asian Games|1978 Games]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2024 |title=More sponsors and better marketing top agenda for new Asian Games chief |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2024/09/07/more-sports/asian-games-marketing-sponsors/ |access-date=9 September 2024 |website=The Japan Times |archive-date=8 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908073602/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2024/09/07/more-sports/asian-games-marketing-sponsors/|url-status=live}}</ref> Since the [[1982 Asian Games|1982 Games]], they have been organized by the [[Olympic Council of Asia]], after the breakup of the Asian Games Federation.<ref>{{cite web|title=OCA History|url=http://www.ocasia.org/Council/History.aspx |publisher=OCA|access-date=14 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522121136/http://www.ocasia.org/Council/History.aspx|archive-date=22 May 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Games are recognized by the [[International Olympic Committee]] and are the second largest multi-sport event after the [[Olympic Games]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-26 |title=Yoga at the Asian Games? IOA begins push to get discipline included as sport in Asiad |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/yoga-at-the-asian-games-ioa-begins-push-to-get-discipline-included-as-sport-in-asiad-9415990/ |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=The Indian Express |archive-date=26 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626083258/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/yoga-at-the-asian-games-ioa-begins-push-to-get-discipline-included-as-sport-in-asiad-9415990/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Nine nations have hosted the Asian Games. Forty-six nations have participated in the Games, including [[Israel at the Asian Games|Israel]], which was excluded from the Games after its last participation in [[1974 Asian Games|1974]]. The last edition of the Games was held in [[Hangzhou]], China, from 23 September to 8 October 2023. The next edition will be held in [[Aichi Prefecture]] and [[Nagoya]], Japan, from 19 September to 4 October 2026.

Since 2010, it has been common for the host of the Asian Games to host the [[Asian Para Games]] held shortly after the end of the Games. This event is exclusive to athletes with [[Disability|disabilities]], just like [[Paralympic Games]]. But unlike the Paralympics where the host city's contract mentions the holding of both events, the case of Asia does not mention the mandatory holding of both. Instead, the exclusion of the Asian Para Games from the Asian Games host city's contract means that both events run independently from one other, and may lead to occasions in the future when the two events are held in different cities and countries.

==History==
===Origins===
The [[Far Eastern Championship Games]] existed previous to the Asian Games, the former mooted in 1912 for a location set between [[Empire of Japan|Japan]], the [[Insular Government of the Philippine Islands|Philippines]], and [[Republic of China (1912–1949)|China]]. The inaugural Far Eastern Games were held in [[Manila]] in [[1913 Far Eastern Games|1913]] with 6 participating nations. There were ten Far Eastern Games held by [[1934 Far Eastern Games|1934]]. The [[second Sino-Japanese War]] in 1934, and Japan's insistence on including the [[Manchukuo|Manchu Empire]] as a competitor nation in the Games, caused China to announce its withdrawal from participation. The Far Eastern Games scheduled for [[1938 Far Eastern Games|1938]] were cancelled. The organization was eventually discontinued.<ref>{{cite web|title=Far Eastern Championship Games|url=http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GamesL1.aspx?9QoyD9QEWPfemU/arvY96w== |publisher=Olympic Council of Asia|access-date=19 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226015204/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GamesL1.aspx?9QoyD9QEWPfemU%2FarvY96w=%3D|archive-date=26 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Formation===
After World War II, several areas in Asia became [[sovereign state]]s. Many of these countries sought to exhibit Asian prowess without violence. During the [[1948 Summer Olympics]] in [[London]], a conversation started between China and the Philippines to restore the idea of the Far Eastern Games, following the [[decolonisation of Asia]] after World War II.<ref>{{cite news|title=History of the Asian Games|url=https://oca.asia/council/|website=OCA|archive-date=5 October 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251005033210/https://oca.asia/council/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Guru Dutt Sondhi]], the Indian International Olympic Committee representative, believed that the restoration of the Far Eastern Games would sufficiently display the spirit of unity and level of achievement taking place in Asian sports. He proposed the idea of a new competition – which came to be the Asian Games. The Asian Athletic Federation would eventually be formed. A preparatory committee was set up to draft the charter for this new body. On 13 February 1949, the Asian Athletic Federation was formally inaugurated in New Delhi, announced as the inaugural host city to be held in 1950.<ref name=FEG>{{cite web|title=亚运会是从什么时候开始举办的,每几年举办一次?|url=http://zhidao.wangchao.net.cn/detail_2890838.html |publisher=wangchao.org|access-date=14 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907015334/http://zhidao.wangchao.net.cn/detail_2890838.html|archive-date=7 September 2013|url-status=dead|lang=zh}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=亚运会的前世今生：前身远东运动会 中国成绩优异|url=http://sports.sina.com.cn/o/2010-08-04/04065133499.shtml|access-date=14 August 2010|publisher=Sina Corp|date=4 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202111615/http://sports.sina.com.cn/o/2010-08-04/04065133499.shtml|archive-date=2 December 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Years of crises===
[[File:Indian athletes at the First Asiad.png|thumb|[[1951 Asian Games|The first Asian Games]] opening ceremony]]

In [[1962 Asian Games|1962]], the Games were hit by several crises. The host country, Indonesia refused to permit Israel and Taiwan to participate due to [[Indonesia–Israel relations|political]] [[Indonesia–Taiwan relations|recognition]] issues. The IOC terminated its sponsorship of the Games and terminated Indonesia's membership in the IOC.<ref>{{cite news|title=Track: Asian Games Dropped By Olympics|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=q3cjAAAAIBAJ&pg=738,3903294|access-date=14 August 2010|newspaper=Daytona Beach|date=23 August 1962|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601012810/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=q3cjAAAAIBAJ&pg=738,3903294|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Asian Football Confederation]] (AFC),<ref>{{cite web|title=第4届 1962年雅加达亚运会 |url=http://data.sports.163.com/match/history/0005000BBQFO.html |publisher=data.sports.163.com |access-date=14 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703111711/http://data.sports.163.com/match/history/0005000BBQFO.html |archive-date=3 July 2011 }}</ref> [[International Association of Athletics Federations|International Amateur Athletics Federation]] (IAAF), and the [[International Weightlifting Federation]] (IWF) also removed their recognition of the Games.<ref>{{cite news|title=Penalty Dealt to Indonesia|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kMESAAAAIBAJ&pg=4386,3223549|access-date=14 August 2010|newspaper=Spokane Daily Chronicles|date=13 September 1962|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601012809/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kMESAAAAIBAJ&pg=4386,3223549|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Warning|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=al8RAAAAIBAJ&pg=1306,4815390|access-date=14 August 2010|newspaper=The Age|date=30 August 1962|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601012806/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=al8RAAAAIBAJ&pg=1306,4815390|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Seoul]] renounced its plan to host the [[1970 Asian Games]] on the grounds of a national security crisis; the main reason was due to a financial crisis. The previous host, Thailand, would host the Games in [[Bangkok]] using funds transferred from South Korea.<ref>{{cite web|title=第六届 1970年曼谷亚运会|url=http://data.sports.163.com/match/history/0005000BBQFL.html |publisher=Data.sports.163.com|access-date=22 July 2010|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703111556/http://data.sports.163.com/match/history/0005000BBQFL.html|archive-date=3 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Japan was asked to host but declined the opportunity as they were already committed to [[Expo '70]] in [[Osaka]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Thailand's Sporting Spirit|url=http://www.pattayamail.com/277/sports.htm#hd4 |publisher=Pattaya Mail Sports|access-date=22 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617051015/http://www.pattayamail.com/277/sports.htm#hd4|archive-date=17 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> This edition marked the Games' inaugural television broadcasting, worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|title=第六届 1970年曼谷亚运会|url=http://data.sports.163.com/match/history/0005000BBQFL.html |publisher=data.sports.163|access-date=9 October 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703111556/http://data.sports.163.com/match/history/0005000BBQFL.html|archive-date=3 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In Tehran, in [[1974 Asian Games|1974]], the Games formally recognized the participation of China, North Korea, and Mongolia. Israel was allowed to participate despite the opposition from the [[Arab world]], while Taiwan was permitted to continue taking part (as "[[Chinese Taipei]]") although its status was abolished in a general meeting on 16 November 1973 by the Games Federation.<ref>{{cite web|title=第七届 1974年德黑兰亚运会|url=http://data.sports.163.com/match/history/0005000BBQFK.html |publisher=data.sports.163.com|access-date=9 October 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703111526/http://data.sports.163.com/match/history/0005000BBQFK.html|archive-date=3 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Before the [[1978 Asian Games|1978 Games]], [[Pakistan]] retracted its plan to host the 1975 Games due to a financial crisis and [[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts|political issues]].<ref>{{cite web|title=第8届 1978年曼谷亚运会|url=http://data.sports.163.com/match/history/0005000BBQFI.html |publisher=Data.sports.163.com|access-date=22 July 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703111453/http://data.sports.163.com/match/history/0005000BBQFI.html|archive-date=3 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Thailand offered to host and the Games were held in Bangkok. As in 1962, Taiwan and Israel refused participation by the Games Federation, amid political issues and security fears.<ref>{{cite news|title=Asian Games Federation says no to Israel|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=v7seAAAAIBAJ&pg=1934,684691|access-date=9 October 2010|newspaper=Anchorage Daily News|date=3 June 1978|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601012807/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=v7seAAAAIBAJ&pg=1934,684691|url-status=dead}}</ref> Several governing bodies protested the ban. The [[International Olympic Committee]] threatened to bar the participating athletes from the [[1980 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news|title=New Israeli rejection forces Asian athletes to risk Olympic hope|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WwMuAAAAIBAJ&pg=2171,3744052|access-date=9 October 2010|newspaper=Montreal Gazette|date=22 November 1978|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601012807/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=v7seAAAAIBAJ&pg=1934,684691|url-status=dead}}</ref> Several nations withdrew before the Games opening.<ref>{{cite news|title=Indonesia, Hong Kong protest ban on Israel|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kP0NAAAAIBAJ&pg=6027,3304995|access-date=9 October 2010|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|date=4 December 1978|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601012806/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kP0NAAAAIBAJ&pg=6027,3304995|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Reorganization and expansion===
These events led the National Olympic Committees in Asia to revise the constitution of the Asian Games Federation. The Olympic Council of Asia was created in November 1981, excluding Israel and Taiwan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Israelis facing Asian ban|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Rr4yAAAAIBAJ&pg=2948,6887134|access-date=9 October 2010|newspaper=Ottawa Citizen|date=10 December 1981|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601012811/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Rr4yAAAAIBAJ&pg=2948,6887134|url-status=dead}}</ref> India was scheduled to host in [[1982 Asian Games|1982]] and the OCA decided to maintain the old AGF timetable. The OCA formally started to supervise the Games starting with the [[1986 Asian Games]] scheduled for Seoul, South Korea.<ref>{{cite news|title=Olympics|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ukIwAAAAIBAJ&pg=1683,4438561|access-date=9 October 2010|newspaper=Montreal Gazette|date=28 November 1981|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601012809/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ukIwAAAAIBAJ&pg=1683,4438561|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the [[1990 Asian Games]] held in [[Beijing]], Taiwan (Republic of China) was re-admitted, under pressure by the People's Republic of China to compete as ''Chinese Taipei''.<ref>{{cite news|title=China welcomes Taiwan's AG trip|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_mYVAAAAIBAJ&pg=5130,1232701|access-date=9 October 2010|newspaper=Manila Standard|date=16 July 1988|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601012808/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_mYVAAAAIBAJ&pg=5130,1232701|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[1994 Asian Games|1994 Games]] held in [[Hiroshima]] included the inaugural participation of the former 5 [[republics of the Soviet Union]] who were part of [[Central Asia]]: Kazakhstan, [[Kyrgyzstan]], Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It was also the first edition of the Games held in a host country outside its [[capital city]].<ref>{{cite web|title=第12届 1994年广岛亚运会|url=http://data.sports.163.com/match/history/0005000BBQDY.html |publisher=data.sports.163.com|access-date=9 October 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202025642/http://data.sports.163.com/match/history/0005000BBQDY.html|archive-date=2 December 2010|df=dmy-all}}</ref> However, [[National Olympic Committee of Iraq|Iraq]] was suspended from the Games due to the 1990 [[Persian Gulf War]]. [[Olympic Committee of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea|North Korea]] boycotted the Games due to political issues with the host country. The Games were hampered during the opening ceremony due to a heart attack that killed Nareshkumar Adhikari, the chief of the Nepalese delegation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Let the Games Begin|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QpsWAAAAIBAJ&pg=1694,953978|access-date=9 October 2010|newspaper=New Straits Times|date=3 October 1994|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601012811/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QpsWAAAAIBAJ&pg=1694,953978|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[1998 Asian Games|1998 Games]] marked the fourth time the Games were held in Bangkok, Thailand. This time the city participated in a bidding process. The opening ceremony was on 6 December; the previous three were on 9 December. [[Bhumibol Adulyadej|King Bhumibol Adulyadej]] opened the Games; the closing ceremony was on 20 December (the same date as all the previous games hosted by Thailand).

[[File:IRAN Asain games medal 1974.jpg|thumb|1974 Asian Games medal]]

==Background==
===Symbols===
The Asian Games Movement uses symbols to represent the ideals embodied in the [[Olympic Charter|Asian Games charter]]. The Asian Games motto is "Ever Onward" which was designed and proposed by Guru Dutt Sondhi upon the creation of the Asian Games Federation in 1949. The Asian Games symbol is a bright sun in red with 16 rays and a white circle in the middle of its disc which represents the ever glimmering and warm spirit of the Asian people.

===Mascots===
{{main|List of Asian Games mascots}}

Since the [[1982 Asian Games]] in [[New Delhi]], India, the Asian Games have had a mascot, usually an animal native to the area or occasionally human figures representing the cultural heritage.

===Participation===
{{See also|Olympic Council of Asia}}
All 45 members affiliated with the [[Olympic Council of Asia]] (OCA) are eligible to participate in the Games.

According to membership in the OCA, [[List of transcontinental countries|transcontinental]] [[Kazakhstan]] is an Asian country and could participate in the Asian Games, but this right could not apply to Egypt as the country had 6% of the territory on [[Sinai Peninsula|Sinai]], participating in the [[African Games]] instead. Turkey and Russia/Soviet Union — whose major geographical parts are located in the Asian continent — participate in the [[European Games]] rather than the Asian Games. Similarly, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Cyprus, and Armenia are mostly located in Asia but participate in the European Games instead of the Asian Games.

In history, 46 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) have sent competitors to the Games. [[Olympic Committee of Israel|Israel]] has been excluded from the Games since 1976, the reason cited as being due to security reasons.<ref>{{cite news|title=Asian Games ban Israel|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lR8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=2486,2066961|access-date=29 July 2007|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|date=26 July 1976|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601012806/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lR8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=2486,2066961|url-status=dead}}</ref> Israel requested to participate in the 1982 Games, but the request was rejected by the organizers due to the [[Munich massacre]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Israel not invited to Asian Games |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YJAsAAAAIBAJ&pg=5458,3706701 |access-date=29 July 2007 |newspaper=Lakeland Ledger |date=26 May 1982|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601012808/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YJAsAAAAIBAJ&pg=5458,3706701|url-status=dead}}</ref> Israel is now a member of the [[European Olympic Committees]] (EOC) since 1994 and competes at the [[European Games]].

Taiwan, Palestine, Hong Kong, and Macau participate in the Asian Games according to membership in OCA. Due to its continuing ambiguous political status, Taiwan has participated in the Games under the flag of [[Chinese Taipei]] since 1990. [[Macau Sports and Olympic Committee|Macau]] since 1990 has been allowed to compete as one of the NOCs in the Asian Games, despite not being recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for participation in the [[Olympic Games]].

In 2007, the President of OCA, Sheikh [[Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah]], rejected the proposal to allow [[Australian Olympic Committee|Australia]] to participate in the Games. He stated that while Australia would add good value to the Asian Games, it would be unfair to the [[Oceania National Olympic Committees]] (ONOC).<ref>{{cite news|title=No place for Australia in Asian Games|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/no-place-for-australia-in-asian-games/2007/04/17/1176696841249.html|access-date=2010-07-29|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=2007-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924203541/http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/no-place-for-australia-in-asian-games/2007/04/17/1176696841249.html|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Being members of ONOC, Australia and New Zealand have participated in the [[Pacific Games]] since 2015. This motion was mooted again in 2017 after Australia participated in the [[2017 Asian Winter Games]] as they are in discussions to become a full Asian Games member shortly.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Harper|first1=Tony|title=Australia in discussions to take part in Asian Games from 2022|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/more-sports/australia-in-discussions-to-take-part-in-asian-games-from-2022/news-story/a251a754c0abb39edc1106999334884b|access-date=6 August 2017|work=Fox Sports|location=Australia|date=21 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504235915/http://www.foxsports.com.au/more-sports/australia-in-discussions-to-take-part-in-asian-games-from-2022/news-story/a251a754c0abb39edc1106999334884b|archive-date=4 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the [[Australian Olympic Committee]] announced that Australia would be allowed a small contingent of athletes for the 2022 Games, as long as the qualification for Summer Olympics events such as basketball and volleyball are through the Asia-Pacific region.<ref>{{cite news|title=Oceania nations allowed small quota of athletes at 2022 Asian Games|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/oceania-nations-allowed-small-quota-of-athletes-at-2022-asian-games-4854135/|access-date=24 September 2017|work=The Indian Express|agency=Reuters|date=21 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924052810/http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/oceania-nations-allowed-small-quota-of-athletes-at-2022-asian-games-4854135/|archive-date=24 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2021, it was announced that athletes from Oceania would be invited to compete in athletics, triathlon, roller skating, weightlifting, and [[Wushu (sport)|wushu]]. Athletes were to receive "honorary medals" which would not be counted on the official medal tally.<ref>{{cite news|title=Asian Games 2022: Oceania athletes to compete in Hangzhou, China next year and will receive 'honorary medals'|work=SCMP|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3156934/asian-games-2022-oceania-athletes-compete-hangzhou-china-next-year-and|access-date=22 November 2021|archive-date=22 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122095217/http://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3156934/asian-games-2022-oceania-athletes-compete-hangzhou-china-next-year-and|url-status=live}}</ref> The plan was shelved due to a lack of interest from the relevant federations in Australia and New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ransom |first=Ian |date=2022-04-26 |title=Australia, New Zealand not sending athletes to Asian Games |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/australia-new-zealand-not-sending-athletes-asian-games-2022-04-26/ |access-date=2023-08-02 |archive-date=2 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802225425/https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/australia-new-zealand-not-sending-athletes-asian-games-2022-04-26/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

There are only seven countries, namely [[India at the Asian Games|India]], [[Indonesia at the Asian Games|Indonesia]], [[Japan at the Asian Games|Japan]], the [[Philippines at the Asian Games|Philippines]], [[Sri Lanka at the Asian Games|Sri Lanka]], [[Singapore at the Asian Games|Singapore]], and [[Thailand at the Asian Games|Thailand]], that have competed in all editions of the games.

==Editions==
{{location map+|Asia|float=center|width=800|caption=Host cities of the Asian Games|places=
{{Location map~|Asia|position=bottom|lat=28.637005|long=77.214353|label='''[[New Delhi|1951, 1982]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Asia|position=|lat=14.607218|long=120.98422|label='''[[Manila|1954]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Asia|position=top|lat=35.749168|long=139.216003|label='''[[Tokyo|1958]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Asia|position=bottom|lat=-6.205173|long=106.850117|label='''[[Jakarta|1962, 2018]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Asia|position=left|lat=13.765773|long=100.501765|label='''[[Bangkok|1966, 1970, 1978, 1998]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Asia|position=bottom|lat=35.702555|long=51.421230|label='''[[Tehran|1974]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Asia|position=top|lat=37.566189|long=126.977877|label='''[[Seoul|1986]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Asia|position=left|lat=39.909395|long=116.413938|label='''[[Beijing|1990]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Asia|position=right|lat=34.398808|long=132.469337|label='''[[Hiroshima|1994]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Asia|position=bottom|lat=35.167257|long=129.060814|label='''[[Busan|2002]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Asia|position=bottom|lat=25.290967|long=51.532549|label='''[[Doha|2006, ''2030'']]'''}}
{{Location map~|Asia|position=|lat=23.145803|long=113.277283|label='''[[Guangzhou|2010]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Asia|position=|lat=37.456374|long=126.704562|label='''[[Incheon|2014]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Asia|position=left|lat=-2.972077|long=104.775431|label='''[[Palembang|2018]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Asia|position=|lat=30.278279|long=120.155070|label='''[[Hangzhou|2022]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Asia|position=right|lat=35.183333|long=136.900000|label='''[[Aichi Prefecture|''2026'']]'''}}
{{Location map~|Asia|position=top|lat=24.724150|long=46.262061|label='''[[Riyadh|''2034'']]'''}}
}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|-
!Edition
!Year
!Host
!Games dates /<br/>Opened by{{efn|name=NonHeadsOfState|Names & offices in ''italics'' reflect an opener who was ''not'' head of state when opening the Games.  If the office is partially italicized, the non-italicized portion is the office & name of the head of state being represented.}}
!Countries
!Competitors
!Sports
!Events
!Top-ranked team
!{{abbreviation|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|[[1951 Asian Games|1]]
|1951
|align=left| {{flagicon|India}} [[New Delhi]]
|4–11 March 1951<br>[[President of India|President]] [[Rajendra Prasad]]
|11
|489
|6
|57
|rowspan="8" align=left|{{flagIOC2team|JPN|Asian Games}}
|<ref>{{cite web|title=1st AG New Delhi 1951|url=https://oca.asia/games/107-new-delhi-1951.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=22 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002259/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=qW%2F0jZQQnfyUZ0C1PPWxyiOq5J%2FYYV%2FNanlGfqW4Ru8VRp+YFM+tHJ%2FD9+Y4LSC+e9BVMYGe7iRr5iEmIZjOCw%3D%3D|archive-date=11 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1954 Asian Games|2]]
|1954
|align=left| {{flagicon|Philippines|1948}} [[Manila]]
|1–9 May 1954<br>[[President of the Philippines|President]] [[Ramon Magsaysay]]
|18
|970
|8
|76
|<ref>{{cite web|title=2nd AG Manila 1954|url=https://oca.asia/games/106-manila-1954.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=22 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002241/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=N8oErIJY3VfghCvSNaZPUgBZpr8hOgxgGMQInDKMrJlLdLvLJqlOf256ZsV8htMYHi3kUoejf3ljSVdEPMHhsA==|archive-date=11 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1958 Asian Games|3]]
|1958
|align=left| {{flagicon|Japan|1870}} [[Tokyo]]
|24 May – 1 June 1958<br>[[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]] [[Hirohito]]
|16
|1,820
|13
|97
|<ref>{{cite web|title=3rd AG Tokyo 1958|url=https://oca.asia/games/105-tokyo-1958.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=22 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002245/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=gn3GbI+bZ52LcPofZuq1l0IpnoHKtjrZveotS2dLz4C2Pl82bwZyqu%2FQvBcfiTOUegpLX9iL7M1zX4OEODewFw%3D%3D|archive-date=11 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1962 Asian Games|4]]
|1962
|align=left| {{flagicon|Indonesia}} [[Jakarta]]
|24 August – 4 September 1962<br>[[President of Indonesia|President]] [[Sukarno]]
|12
|1,460
|13
|88
|<ref>{{cite web|title=4th AG Jakarta 1962|url=https://oca.asia/games/104-jakarta-1962.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=22 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002222/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=fp6MqPvMRAqKw2AX2WdtQT%2FdkA7uANagdeXiMvOoMVoLX21g3guNMe%2FUeD6XJV9VI8F1Z2nYNvm0j%2FykvncYNA%3D%3D|archive-date=11 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1966 Asian Games|5]]
|1966
|align=left|{{flagicon|Thailand}} [[Bangkok]]
|9–20 December 1966<br>[[King of Thailand|King]] [[Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
|16
|1,945
|14
|143
|<ref>{{cite web|title=5th AG Bangkok 1966|url=https://oca.asia/games/103-bangkok-1966.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=22 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002244/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=svh8YzvFX1mVm6bVPtrPRlh37yNScnbdDDC%2Fn7%2Fod5GYNE0nSai2k+SRpvi3h9Bl4KQpxmA4t6KZBFeVp2RTzA%3D%3D|archive-date=11 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1970 Asian Games|6]]
|1970
|align=left|{{flagicon|Thailand}} [[Bangkok]]
|9–20 December 1970<br>[[King of Thailand|King]] [[Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
|18
|2,400
|13
|135
|<ref>{{cite web|title=6th AG Bangkok 1970|url=https://oca.asia/games/102-bangkok-1970.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=22 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002248/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=MWbjABf3Sf4+EEdvjSHp1tOtdoQ9fnwlrKUyRBA89sNaGCUw6tfeHvhM4efhaTcSLqNMtPFTs9sjIwlgfbqcvg==|archive-date=11 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1974 Asian Games|7]]
|1974
|align=left| {{flagicon|Iran|1964}} [[Tehran]]
|1–16 September 1974<br>[[List of monarchs of Persia|Shah]] [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]]
|rowspan=2|19
|3,010
|16
|202
|<ref>{{cite web|title=7th AG Tehran 1974|url=https://oca.asia/games/101-tehran-1974.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=22 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002229/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=MWbjABf3Sf4+EEdvjSHp1mik5B0tzm3CJClDjRCqiZo8qeVLjtbYWJQivsHlDpggY6qXSG2rqCGhpowhRvzo3g==|archive-date=11 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1978 Asian Games|8]]
|1978
| align=left| {{flagicon|Thailand}} [[Bangkok]]
|9–20 December 1978<br>[[King of Thailand|King]] [[Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
|3,842
|19
|201
|<ref>{{cite web|title=8th AG Bangkok 1978|url=https://oca.asia/games/100-bangkok-1978.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=22 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002224/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=MWbjABf3Sf4+EEdvjSHp1vEo%2FGG9kWYwo0KwU8iAiyA10OXQDeb2ZzyhUdpw%2FXqSeweJ12n1H0BH7wm0KjvTtw%3D%3D|archive-date=11 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1982 Asian Games|9]]
|1982
|align=left| {{flagicon|India}} [[New Delhi]]
|19 November – 4 December 1982<br>[[President of India|President]] [[Zail Singh]]
|23
|3,411
|21
|147
|rowspan="11" align=left|{{flagIOC2team|CHN|Asian Games}}
|<ref>{{cite web|title=9th AG New Delhi 1982|url=https://oca.asia/games/99-new-delhi-1982.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=22 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002230/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=MWbjABf3Sf4+EEdvjSHp1lyBIfsoISeDpX7%2FCScjV2snkZgBwSEd05nSYhNX4fjvueQC+cO5BaoJemJW9RUP3g%3D%3D|archive-date=11 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1986 Asian Games|10]]
|1986
|align=left| {{flagicon|South Korea|1984}} [[Seoul]]
|20 September – 2 October 1986<br>[[President of South Korea|President]] [[Chun Doo-hwan]]
|22
|4,839
|25
|270
|<ref>{{cite web|title=10th AG Seoul 1986|url=https://oca.asia/games/98-seoul-1986.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=22 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002302/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=MWbjABf3Sf4+EEdvjSHp1ifwvOsg%2FOPOwErK7Zr7aRhBmkN5FluzzHrBRr1qTw9E2wEg0H8SkGpNDr55hBQUnA%3D%3D|archive-date=11 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1990 Asian Games|11]]
|1990
|align=left| {{flagicon|China}} [[Beijing]]
|22 September – 7 October 1990<br>[[President of the People's Republic of China|President]] [[Yang Shangkun]]
|31
|6,122
|27
|310
|<ref>{{cite web|title=11th AG Beijing 1990|url=https://oca.asia/games/97-beijing-1990.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=22 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002312/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=MWbjABf3Sf4+EEdvjSHp1voPHnl5JCPT4mxOYzE7LG7U%2FDcNymOdMXhF4PJ3aN0aHzasE1v7km0aQVohrqAe2g%3D%3D|archive-date=11 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1994 Asian Games|12]]
|1994
|align=left| {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Hiroshima]]
|2–16 October 1994<br>[[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]] [[Akihito]]
|42
|6,828
|34
|338
|<ref>{{cite web|title=12th AG Hiroshima 1994|url=https://oca.asia/games/96-hiroshima-1994.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=22 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002222/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=MWbjABf3Sf4+EEdvjSHp1tLQS3oEoq%2FfIgIkI7N88vi5bMFvyuU%2FE6A4C2hS9YjkYiBX+1nfE3vkCFl%2FE6lttw%3D%3D|archive-date=11 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1998 Asian Games|13]]
|1998
| align=left| {{flagicon|Thailand}} [[Bangkok]]
|6–20 December 1998<br>[[King of Thailand|King]] [[Bhumibol Adulyadej]]
|41
|6,554
|36
|377
|<ref>{{cite web|title=13th AG Bangkok 1998|url=https://oca.asia/games/95-bangkok-1998.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=22 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002256/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=MWbjABf3Sf4+EEdvjSHp1kpcOs21JpBVlcZO0l2m2JBUkQ+QzyC72arAOzyo9ShTU4ZRMJy3z6ewUf+JXz7Vrw==|archive-date=11 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2002 Asian Games|14]]
|2002
|align=left| {{flagicon|South Korea}} [[Busan]]
|29 September – 14 October 2002<br>[[President of South Korea|President]] [[Kim Dae-jung]]
|44
|7,711
|38
|419
|<ref>{{cite web|title=14th AG Busan 2002|url=https://oca.asia/games/94-busan-2002.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=29 September 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002311/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=MWbjABf3Sf4+EEdvjSHp1rR6teXAeXAynk17wTf+jTDM3N2V9Qqk18aoqar4fz2HA9%2Fb6PPQS3evr8pE6VLEfA%3D%3D|archive-date=11 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2006 Asian Games|15]]
|2006
|align=left| {{flagicon|Qatar}} [[Doha]]
|1–15 December 2006<br>[[Emir of Qatar|Emir]] {{nowrap|[[Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani]]}}
|rowspan=5 |45
|9,520
|39
|424
|<ref>{{cite web|title=15th AG Doha 2006|url=https://oca.asia/games/93-doha-2006.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=1 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002228/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=MWbjABf3Sf4+EEdvjSHp1uxoIZ2irZ4rMIAEBIhwixXNn8TxnLDLybh2V4JgKupUP12ZN7EZtotN+uH+WHZRKA==|archive-date=2018-09-11|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2010 Asian Games|16]]
|2010
|align=left| {{flagicon|China}} [[Guangzhou]]
|12–27 November 2010<br>''[[Premier of the People's Republic of China|Premier]]'' ''[[Wen Jiabao]]''{{efn|name=2010 ChinaPresident|Representing [[Hu Jintao]], [[President of the People's Republic of China]].}}
|9,704
|42
|476
|<ref>{{cite web|title=16th AG Guangzhou 2010|url=https://oca.asia/games/85-guangzhou-2010.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=22 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002308/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=aKk4+eLTtkU0FFSe77Fvufjxr631hlJmR6bMoIpOU7pG1zyq6sPKBMEaCmq+p4r9j%2FxB3ZRR0mxCugkfYKPiGw%3D%3D|archive-date=11 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2014 Asian Games|17]]
|2014
|align=left| {{flagicon|South Korea}} [[Incheon]]
|19 September – 4 October 2014<br>[[President of South Korea|President]] [[Park Geun-hye]]
|9,501
|37
|439
|<ref>{{cite web|title=17th AG Incheon 2014|url=https://oca.asia/games/84-incheon-2014.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=19 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002226/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=aKk4+eLTtkU0FFSe77FvufSabEQ+7pbdEdiwzqmxViilKeU8DBtcRpORjJxkGRKoY+p7%2FKby5fQysZ6i4RcR8g%3D%3D|archive-date=11 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2018 Asian Games|18]]
|2018
|align=left| {{flagicon|Indonesia}} {{nowrap|[[Jakarta]] and [[Palembang]]}}
|18 August – 2 September 2018<br>[[President of Indonesia|President]] [[Joko Widodo]]
|11,300
|'''46'''
|465
|<ref>{{cite web|title=18th AG Jakarta-Palembang 2018|url=https://oca.asia/games/5-jakarta-palembang-2018.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=20 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002255/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=MWbjABf3Sf4+EEdvjSHp1mKucBolMd09YB3SA8pB6ICXlV3ewQzs6SCXxY5XO9oPoqcrg4g+dQDHTpI7IbIHLQ==|archive-date=11 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2022 Asian Games|19]]
|2022
|align=left| {{flagicon|China}} [[Hangzhou]]
|23 September – 8 October 2023{{efn|Originally scheduled for 10–25 September 2022, the Games were postponed by one year due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].}}<br>[[President of the People's Republic of China|President]] [[Xi Jinping]]
|'''11,935'''
|40
|'''481'''
|<ref>{{cite web|title=19th AG Hangzhou 2022|url=https://oca.asia/games/2-hangzhou-2023.html |publisher=OCA|access-date=16 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002310/http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=MWbjABf3Sf4+EEdvjSHp1jKOwGWEOIvJF75C4tDokoJiu%2FaUOf6oOXV3GHO0xtlR1XaMQ1mBo%2F0rjIvXeBbXYQ%3D%3D|archive-date=11 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|''[[2026 Asian Games|20]]''
|''2026''
|align=left| {{flagicon|Japan}} {{nowrap|[[Aichi Prefecture]] and [[Nagoya]]}}
|{{nowrap|19 September – 4 October 2026}}<br>[[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]] [[Naruhito]] (expected)
|colspan="2" style="text-align:center" {{N/A|''Future event''}}
|''41''
|''460''
|style="text-align:center" {{N/A|''Future event''}}
|
|-
|''[[2030 Asian Games|21]]''
|''2030''
|align=left| {{flagicon|Qatar}} [[Doha]]
|{{nowrap|4 – 19 November 2030}}
|colspan="5" style="text-align:center" {{N/A|''Future event''}}
|
|-
|''[[2034 Asian Games|22]]''
|''2034''
|align=left| {{nowrap|{{flagicon|Saudi Arabia}}}} [[Riyadh]]
|{{nowrap|29 November – 14 December 2034}}
|colspan="5" style="text-align:center" {{N/A|''Future event''}}
|
|}

==Participating nations==
45 nations whose [[National Olympic Committee|NOC]]s are recognized by the [[Olympic Council of Asia|OCA]] compete at the Asian Games.<ref name="nations">{{cite web|title=National Olympic Committees|url=https://ocasia.org/noc/countries/|publisher=Asian Games|access-date=10 September 2023|archive-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721211240/http://www.ocasia.org/noc/countries/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* {{flagOCA|AFG}}
* {{flagOCA|BAN}}
* {{flagOCA|BHU}}
* {{flagOCA|BHR}}
* {{flagOCA|BRU}}
* {{flagOCA|CAM}}
* {{flagOCA|CHN}}
* {{flagOCA|TPE}}
* {{flagOCA|TLS}}
* {{flagOCA|HKG}}
* {{flagOCA|INA}}
* {{flagOCA|IND}}
* {{flagOCA|IRI}}
* {{flagOCA|IRQ}}
* {{flagOCA|JOR}}
* {{flagOCA|JPN}}
* {{flagOCA|KAZ}}
* {{flagOCA|KUW}}
* {{flagOCA|KGZ}}
* {{flagOCA|LAO}}
* {{flagOCA|LBN}}
* {{flagOCA|MAC}}
* {{flagOCA|MAS}}
* {{flagOCA|MDV}}
* {{flagOCA|MGL}}
* {{flagOCA|MYA}}
* {{flagOCA|NEP}}
* {{flagOCA|PRK}}
* {{flagOCA|OMN}}
* {{flagOCA|PAK}}
* {{Flag|Palestine}}
* {{flagOCA|PHI}}
* {{flagOCA|QAT}}
* {{flagOCA|KSA}}
* {{flagOCA|SGP}}
* {{flagOCA|KOR}}
* {{flagOCA|SRI}}
* {{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} [[Syria at the Asian Games|Syria]]
* {{flagOCA|THA}}
* {{flagOCA|TJK}}
* {{flagOCA|TKM}}
* {{flagOCA|UAE}}
* {{flagOCA|UZB}}
* {{flagOCA|VIE}}
* {{flagOCA|YEM}}
{{div col end}}

==List of sports==
{{main|Asian Games sports}}

The historical average for the edition of events by the edition of the Asian Games is nearly 260 events with nearly 24 sports by edition. The last edition held in [[Hangzhou]], [[China]] was the edition with the largest number of events when 481 finals in 40 sports were held. Until the 2018 edition, each host country was allowed to set up the program respecting their local demands, which led to a dizzying growth of the event. However, this flexibility rule ruled out the entry of some Olympic sports such as the modern pentathlon and triathlon of the programs of some editions between 1986 and 2006. This flexibility also increased the number of athletes participating in each edition. However, it forced the event to be massive, as there was no calculation of athlete quotas per NOC. To avoid gigantism, OCA established a new policy to be applied starting the [[2018 Asian Games]], which limited the number of sports to be played at the Games to 40. This new rule is by the Olympic program for the subsequent edition of the Summer Olympic Games and if there is any prior change, the entity will necessarily follow it. However, each region that makes up the body can nominate a regional sport according to its demands. Between one and two extra sports could also be included by organizing committees due to local demands.<ref>{{cite news|title=Incheon 2014 issues delayed|url=http://www.ocasia.org/News/IndexNewsRM.aspx?redirect=1492|access-date=2010-11-14|newspaper=Olympic Council of Asia|date=2010-11-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727140834/http://www.ocasia.org/News/IndexNewsRM.aspx?redirect=1492|archive-date=2011-07-27|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Incheon Asian Games to Feature 36 Sports|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/12/10/2010121000806.html|access-date=2010-12-10|newspaper=The Chosun Ilbo|date=2010-12-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929194211/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/12/10/2010121000806.html|archive-date=29 September 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

'''Key:''' {{Color box|#D3D3D3|border=darkgray}} = Discontinued
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="margin:1em auto;"
|-
|valign="top"|
{| class=wikitable
|-
! Sport || Years
|-
| Aquatics || All
|-
| [[Archery at the Asian Games|Archery]] || Since 1978
|-
| [[Athletics at the Asian Games|Athletics]] || All
|-
| [[Badminton at the Asian Games|Badminton]] || Since 1962
|-
| [[Baseball at the Asian Games|Baseball]] || Since 1994
|-
| Basketball || All
|-
|style="background: #D3D3D3;"| Board games || 2006–2010, 2022
|-
|style="background: #D3D3D3;" | [[Bodybuilding at the Asian Games|Bodybuilding]] || 2002–2006
|-
|style="background: #D3D3D3;" | [[Bowling at the Asian Games|Bowling]] || 1978, 1986, 1994–2018
|-
| [[Boxing at the Asian Games|Boxing]] || Since 1954
|-
| Canoeing || Since 1986
|-
| [[Cricket at the Asian Games|Cricket]] || 2010–2014, since 2022
|-
|style="background: #D3D3D3;" | [[Cue sports at the Asian Games|Cue sports]] || 1998–2010
|-
| Cycling || 1951, since 1958
|-
| [[Dancesport at the Asian Games|Dancesport]] || 2010, since 2022
|-
| [[Dragon boat at the Asian Games|Dragon boat]] || 2010, 2018–2022
|-
| [[Equestrian at the Asian Games|Equestrian]] || 1982–1986, since 1994
|-
| [[Esports at the Asian Games|Esports]] || Since 2022
|-
| [[Fencing at the Asian Games|Fencing]] || 1974–1978, since 1986
|-
| [[Field hockey at the Asian Games|Field hockey]] || Since 1958
|-
| [[Football at the Asian Games|Football]] || All
|-
| [[Golf at the Asian Games|Golf]] || Since 1982
|-
| Gymnastics || Since 1974
|-
| [[Handball at the Asian Games|Handball]] || Since 1982
|-
|style="background: #D3D3D3;"| [[Jet ski at the Asian Games|Jet ski]] || 2018
|-
| [[Judo at the Asian Games|Judo]] || Since 1986
|}
|valign="top"|
{| class=wikitable
|-
! Sport || Years
|-
| [[Ju-jitsu at the Asian Games|Ju-jitsu]] || Since 2018
|-
| [[Kabaddi at the Asian Games|Kabaddi]] || Since 1990
|-
| [[Karate at the Asian Games|Karate]] || Since 1994
|-
| [[Kurash at the Asian Games|Kurash]] || Since 2018
|-
| Mixed martial arts || ''2026''
|-
| [[Modern pentathlon at the Asian Games|Modern pentathlon]] || 1994, 2002, since 2010
|-
|style="background: #D3D3D3;" | [[Paragliding at the Asian Games|Paragliding]]|| 2018
|-
|style="background: #D3D3D3;"| [[Pencak silat at the Asian Games|Pencak silat]] || 2018
|-
| Roller sports || 2010, since 2018
|-
| [[Rowing at the Asian Games|Rowing]] || Since 1982
|-
| Rugby || Since 1998
|-
| [[Sailing at the Asian Games|Sailing]] || 1970, since 1978
|-
|style="background: #D3D3D3;"| [[Sambo at the Asian Games|Sambo]] || 2018
|-
| [[Sepak takraw at the Asian Games|Sepak takraw]] || Since 1990
|-
| [[Shooting at the Asian Games|Shooting]] || Since 1954
|-
| [[Sport climbing at the Asian Games|Sport climbing]] || Since 2018
|-
| [[Squash at the Asian Games|Squash]] || Since 1998
|-
| Surfing || ''2026''
|-
| [[Table tennis at the Asian Games|Table tennis]] || 1958–1966, since 1974
|-
| [[Taekwondo at the Asian Games|Taekwondo]] || 1986, since 1994
|-
| Tennis || 1958–1966, since 1974
|-
| [[Triathlon at the Asian Games|Triathlon]] || Since 2006
|-
| Volleyball || Since 1958
|-
| [[Weightlifting at the Asian Games|Weightlifting]] || 1951–1958, since 1966
|-
| [[Wrestling at the Asian Games|Wrestling]] || Since 1954
|-
| [[Wushu at the Asian Games|Wushu]] || Since 1990
|}
|}

===Disciplines===
{| class=wikitable style="margin:1em auto;"
|-
! Sport || Disciplines || Years
|-
|rowspan=5| Aquatics
| [[Artistic swimming at the Asian Games|Artistic Swimming]] || Since 1994
|-
| [[Diving at the Asian Games|Diving]] || All
|-
|style="background: #D3D3D3;"| Marathon swimming || 2022
|-
| [[Swimming at the Asian Games|Swimming]] || All
|-
| [[Water polo at the Asian Games|Water polo]] || All
|-
|rowspan=2| Baseball
| [[Baseball at the Asian Games|Baseball]] || Since 1994
|-
| [[Softball at the Asian Games|Softball]] || Since 1990
|-
|rowspan=2| [[Basketball at the Asian Games|Basketball]]
| Basketball || All
|-
| 3x3 basketball || Since 2018
|-
|rowspan=4| [[Board games at the Asian Games|Board games]]
|style="background: #D3D3D3;"| Chess || 2006–2010, 2022
|-
|style="background: #D3D3D3;"| Contract bridge || 2018–2022
|-
|style="background: #D3D3D3;"| Go || 2010, 2022
|-
|style="background: #D3D3D3;"| Xiangqi || 2010, 2022
|-
|rowspan=2| [[Canoeing at the Asian Games|Canoeing]]
| Slalom canoeing || Since 2010
|-
| Sprint canoeing || Since 1990
|-
|rowspan=5| [[Cycling at the Asian Games|Cycling]]
| BMX racing || Since 2010
|-
| BMX freestyle || ''2026''
|-
| Mountain biking || 1998–2002, since 2010
|-
| Road cycling || 1951, since 1958
|-
| Track cycling || 1951, 1958, since 1966
|-
|rowspan=2| [[Dancesport at the Asian Games|Dancesport]]
|style="background: #D3D3D3;"| Ballroom || 2010
|-
| Breaking || Since 2022
|-
|rowspan=3| [[Gymnastics at the Asian Games|Gymnastics]]
| Artistic gymnastics || Since 1974
|-
| Rhythmic gymnastics || Since 1994
|-
| Trampoline || Since 2006
|-
|rowspan=4| [[Roller sports at the Asian Games|Roller sports]]
|style="background: #D3D3D3;"| Artistic roller skating || 2010, 2022
|-
|style="background: #D3D3D3;"| Inline freestyle skating || 2022
|-
|style="background: #D3D3D3;"| Roller speed skating || 2010, 2018–2022
|-
| Skateboarding || Since 2018
|-
|rowspan=2| [[Rugby union at the Asian Games|Rugby]]
|style="background: #D3D3D3;"| Rugby union || 1998–2002
|-
| Rugby sevens || Since 1998
|-
|rowspan=2| Tennis
| [[Tennis at the Asian Games|Tennis]] || 1958–1966, since 1974
|-
| [[Soft tennis at the Asian Games|Soft tennis]] || Since 1994
|-
|rowspan=3| Volleyball
| [[Volleyball at the Asian Games|Volleyball]]|| Since 1958
|-
|style="background: #D3D3D3;"| [[Volleyball at the Asian Games#Men – Nine-a-side|Nine-a-side volleyball]] || 1958–1962
|-
| [[Beach volleyball at the Asian Games|Beach volleyball]]|| Since 1998
|}

==Medal table==
{{Main|All-time Asian Games medal table}}

Of the 46 National Olympic Committees participating throughout the history of the Games, 43 have won at least a single medal in the competition, leaving three National Olympic Committees without a medal: [[Bhutan at the Asian Games|Bhutan]], [[Maldives at the Asian Games|Maldives]], and [[Timor-Leste at the Asian Games|Timor-Leste]]. 38 National Olympic Committees have won at least one gold medal (only [[Japan at the Asian Games|Japan]] and [[India at the Asian Games|India]] have done so at every Asian Games), while [[China at the Asian Games|China]] and Japan are the only two NOCs to emerge as the top-ranked team in the medal tables.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asian Summer Games Medal Count|url=http://www.ocasia.org/MedalTally/GameMedalTally?q=TmbMLUzq2pKz+ix27Ap3k/1a4iokAgL1c13IcAa7z8CYDMpeAxvMDUDhl+KOXHoS2eaalQPcq22boIshsp+FhETIostEwQdl+MKvknoqQ+cz4dTtW3QRsMML3RnQhiI1l34vq58CBLWvCXHKN6ZCQEzxe5lWtl+DKoB+kYquL0Jlt/tvs8AeX1pgVAWeR61M|website=Ocasia.org |publisher=Olympic Council of Asia|access-date=26 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908052006/http://ocasia.org/MedalTally/GameMedalTally?q=TmbMLUzq2pKz+ix27Ap3k%2F1a4iokAgL1c13IcAa7z8CYDMpeAxvMDUDhl+KOXHoS2eaalQPcq22boIshsp+FhETIostEwQdl+MKvknoqQ+cz4dTtW3QRsMML3RnQhiI1l34vq58CBLWvCXHKN6ZCQEzxe5lWtl+DKoB+kYquL0Jlt%2Ftvs8AeX1pgVAWeR61M|archive-date=8 September 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the [[2022 Asian Games|2022 Games]], [[India at the 2022 Asian Games|India]] became the fourth nation in history after Japan, China, and South Korea to cross the 100-medal mark in one edition.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2023-10-06 |title=Hangzhou Asian Games {{!}} In its best-ever Asiad show, India to end up with record 100 plus medals |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/hangzhou-asian-games-best-ever-asiad-for-india-assured-to-reach-100-medal-tally/article67388876.ece |access-date=2023-10-06 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007033411/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/hangzhou-asian-games-best-ever-asiad-for-india-assured-to-reach-100-medal-tally/article67388876.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-06 |title=India hit 100 at Asian Games, here's every medal winner of the record-breaking campaign |url=https://www.espn.in/espn/story/_/id/38579713/100-asian-games-medals-india-every-medal-winner-record-breaking-campaign |access-date=2023-10-06 |website=ESPN India |archive-date=6 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006171424/https://www.espn.in/espn/story/_/id/38579713/100-asian-games-medals-india-every-medal-winner-record-breaking-campaign|url-status=live}}</ref> [[China at the Asian Games|China]], together with [[Japan at the Asian Games|Japan]] and [[South Korea at the Asian Games|South Korea]] became the first three countries to cross the overall 200-medal mark in one edition during the [[1986 Asian Games]].<ref name="oca1">{{cite web |title=Asian Games &ndash; Seoul 1986 |url=http://www.ocasia.org/Game/MWinner.aspx?AMWCode=14&GCode=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617001537/http://ocasia.org/Game/MWinner.aspx?AMWCode=14&GCode=1 |archive-date=2010-06-17 |access-date=11 January 2012 |work=ocasia.org |publisher=[[Olympic Council of Asia]]}}</ref> At the 2022 Games, [[China at the Asian Games|China]] became the first NOC to surpass the threshold of 100 gold medals, 200 gold medals, 300 overall medals and 400 overall medals in a single edition.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=4 September 2018 |title=The 11th Asian Games : Beijing, China |url=http://www.hangzhou2022.cn/yybk/yyls/201712/t20171213_659.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128180507/https://www.hangzhou2022.cn/yybk/yyls/201712/t20171213_659.shtml |archive-date=28 November 2019 |access-date=4 September 2018 |publisher=Hangzhou 2022 Official Website}}</ref><ref name="China">{{cite news |date=November 27, 2010 |title=China ends Asian Games on high note |newspaper=[[CNN International]] |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/11/27/asian.games.final.day/ |url-status=dead |access-date=November 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023005233/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/11/27/asian.games.final.day/ |archive-date=October 23, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Azharie |first=Farah |date=2023-10-07 |title=China hit humongous 200-gold mark at Asian Games |work=New Strait Times |url=https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2023/10/964230/china-hit-humongous-200-gold-mark-asian-games |archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008034833/https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2023/10/964230/china-hit-humongous-200-gold-mark-asian-games|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Medals table
 | caption = 
 | host = 
 | show_limit = 
 | remaining_text = 
 | flag_template = flagIOC2
 | event = Asian Games
 | team = 
 | gold_CHN = 1674 | silver_CHN = 1105 | bronze_CHN = 791
 | gold_JPN = 1084 | silver_JPN = 1104 | bronze_JPN = 1054
 | gold_KOR = 787 | silver_KOR = 722 | bronze_KOR = 916
 | gold_IRI = 192 | silver_IRI = 202 | bronze_IRI = 217
 | gold_KAZ = 165 | silver_KAZ = 180 | bronze_KAZ = 292
 | gold_IND = 183| silver_IND = 239 | bronze_IND = 357
 | gold_THA = 144 | silver_THA = 189 | bronze_THA = 311
 | gold_UZB = 105 | silver_UZB = 138 | bronze_UZB = 171
 | gold_PRK = 121 | silver_PRK = 161 | bronze_PRK = 188
 | gold_TPE = 118 | silver_TPE = 164 | bronze_TPE = 304
}}

==MVP table==
The [[most valuable player|Most Valuable Player]] or MVP award was introduced in the [[1998 Asian Games|1998 Games]] in [[Bangkok]], Thailand. The award was originally awarded to one individual. During the 2022 edition in [[Hangzhou]], the Games started awarding to one male and one female athlete separately.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The king and queen have been selected - Chinese superstar swimmers Zhang and Qin named Asian Games MVPs |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2023/10/07/the-king-and-queen-have-been-selected---chinese-superstar-swimmers-zhang-and-qin-named-asian-games-mvps |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=The Star |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007191906/https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2023/10/07/the-king-and-queen-have-been-selected---chinese-superstar-swimmers-zhang-and-qin-named-asian-games-mvps |url-status=live}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
! rowspan=2|Year
! colspan=2|Athlete
! rowspan=2|Sport
! rowspan=2|Ref
|-
! Male
! Female
|-
|[[1998 Asian Games|1998]]
|{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Koji Ito]]
|{{n/a}}
|[[Athletics at the Asian Games|Athletics]]
|<ref name=Japan>{{cite news|title=Outstanding Japanese athletes in Asian Games|url=http://www.gz2010.cn/10/0121/16/5TIKEDL4007802FM.html|access-date=8 May 2011|newspaper=gz2010.cn|date=21 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909142049/http://www.gz2010.cn/10/0121/16/5TIKEDL4007802FM.html|archive-date=9 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2002 Asian Games|2002]]
|{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Kosuke Kitajima]]
|{{n/a}}
|[[Swimming at the Asian Games|Swimming]]
|<ref name=Japan/>
|-
|[[2006 Asian Games|2006]]
|{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Park Tae-hwan]]
|{{n/a}}
|[[Swimming at the Asian Games|Swimming]]
|<ref>{{cite news|title=S Korean Swimmer Park Named MVP|url=http://www.china.org.cn/english/sports/192727.htm|access-date=8 May 2011|publisher=China Internet Information Center|date=16 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220162457/http://china.org.cn/english/sports/192727.htm|archive-date=20 February 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2010 Asian Games|2010]]
|{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Lin Dan]]
|{{n/a}}
|[[Badminton at the Asian Games|Badminton]]
|<ref>{{cite news|title=Lin Dan voted Asian Games MVP|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/11/28/lin-dan-voted-asian-games-mvp.html|access-date=8 May 2011|newspaper=Jakarta Post|date=28 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101063116/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/11/28/lin-dan-voted-asian-games-mvp.html|archive-date=1 January 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2014 Asian Games|2014]]
|{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Kosuke Hagino]]
|{{n/a}}
|[[Swimming at the Asian Games|Swimming]]
|<ref>{{cite news|title=Samsung MVP Award: 2014 MVP is Kosuke Hagino of Japan|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20141004000133|access-date=4 October 2014|newspaper=The Korea Herald|date=4 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004063730/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20141004000133|archive-date=4 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2018 Asian Games|2018]]
|{{n/a}}
|{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Rikako Ikee]]
|[[Swimming at the Asian Games|Swimming]]
|<ref>{{cite news|title=Teenage swimmer Ikee named 2018 Asian Games' "Most Valuable Player" as event draws to a close|url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1069493/teenage-swimmer-ikee-named-2018-asian-games-most-valuable-player-as-event-draws-to-a-close|access-date=2 September 2018|newspaper=inside the games|date=2 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902151722/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1069493/teenage-swimmer-ikee-named-2018-asian-games-most-valuable-player-as-event-draws-to-a-close|archive-date=2 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2022 Asian Games|2022]]
|{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Qin Haiyang]]
|{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Zhang Yufei (swimmer)|Zhang Yufei]]
|[[Swimming at the Asian Games|Swimming]]
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Race |first=Retta |date=9 October 2023 |title=Rachel Miyazuki, Zhang Yufei & Qin Haiyang Are Named MVPs of 19th Asian Games |url=https://swimswam.com/zhang-yufei-qin-haiyang-both-named-mvp-of-19th-asian-games/ |access-date=9 October 2023|website=SwimSwam |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009211709/https://swimswam.com/zhang-yufei-qin-haiyang-both-named-mvp-of-19th-asian-games/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=9 October 2023 |title=Asian Games 2023: Chinese swimmers Zhang Yufei and Qin Haiyang win MVP awards |url=https://olympics.com/en/news/asian-games-2023-swimmers-zhang-yufei-qin-haiyang-win-mvp-awards |website=Olympics |access-date=4 October 2024 |archive-date=28 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428051715/https://olympics.com/en/news/asian-games-2023-swimmers-zhang-yufei-qin-haiyang-win-mvp-awards |url-status=live}}</ref>

|}

==Centennial Festival==
On 8 November 2012, the OCA decided at its 31st General Assembly in [[Macau]] to create a special multi-sport event called the Asian Games Centennial Festival in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Oriental Games, now known as the Far Eastern Championship Games.<ref>{{cite web|title=OCA General Assembly opens in Macau|url=http://www.ocasia.org/News/IndexNewsRM.aspx?WKegervtea33qPdVeA1Kfg== |publisher=OCA|access-date=9 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108074704/http://www.ocasia.org/News/IndexNewsRM.aspx?WKegervtea33qPdVeA1Kfg==|archive-date=8 January 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> OCA awarded the Philippines the hosting rights as it was also the host 100 years previous. The event was originally scheduled to be held in [[Boracay]], [[Malay, Aklan]] from 27 to 29 November 2013 but due to the events surrounding [[Typhoon Haiyan]], it was moved to January 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.inquirer.net/8165/philippines-to-host-2013-asiad-centennial-games|title=Philippines to host 2013 Centennial Asian Games|date=20 July 2011 |access-date=19 February 2013 |publisher=Inquirer Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619131332/http://sports.inquirer.net/8165/philippines-to-host-2013-asiad-centennial-games|archive-date=19 June 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Asia|Sports}}
*[[Asian Beach Games]]
*[[Asian Winter Games]]
*[[Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games]]
*[[Asian Youth Games]]
*[[South Asian Games]]
*[[Southeast Asian Games]]
*[[West Asian Games]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
* [https://www.aichi-nagoya2026.org/en/ 2026 Asian Summer Games official website]
* [http://www.ocasia.org/games/ Olympic Council of Asia: Games] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430195002/http://www.ocasia.org/games/ |date=30 April 2020 }}

{{Asian Games}}
{{EventsOCA}}
{{Association of National Olympic Committees}} 
{{International multi-sport events}}
{{Nations at the Asian Games}}
{{Sports at the Asian Games}}
{{Asian Championships}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Asian Games| ]]
[[Category:1951 establishments in Asia]]
[[Category:Recurring sporting events established in 1951]]
[[Category:Asian international sports competitions]]
[[Category:Quadrennial sporting events]]
[[Category:Olympic Council of Asia]]