The first-ever Asian Games began in New Delhi on 4 March 1951 – more than 60 years ago. Eleven countries participated in the week-long event, and a total of 489 athletes competed in 57 events in eight sports and disciplines.
Let us revisit the history of Asian Games right from 1951 to 2014:
1951 - Free India Hosts Maiden Asian Games Edition
The first-ever Asian Games began in New Delhi on 4 March 1951 – more than 60 years ago. Eleven countries participated in the week-long event, and a total of 489 athletes competed in 57 events in eight sports and disciplines.
South Korea did not participate due to the Korean War, which had started the previous year and would last until 1953.
With 15 gold medals and 51 total medals, India stood second in the final medal tally (after Japan) amongst the eight participating nations.
Japan, although not invited to the meetings in London (1948) or Patiala House (1949), was invited to these Games and sent in a 72-member strong delegation, which won 24 gold medals.
And some of the stories of Indian sportsmen’s exploits became legendary.
India won the gold – playing barefoot– after a close football final with Asian heavyweights Iran, which revived the sport in the country.
India’s Lavy Pinto became the only participant to win gold medals in multiple sprints (athletics). And Parimal Roy was awarded ‘Mr Asia 1951’ for the best physique.
1954 - Japan Tops Medal Tally at 2nd Asiad Edition
Philippines hosted the second edition of the Asian Games in 1954. President Ramon Magsaysay formally opened the games at Manila’s Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Twelve nations participated in this edition which was held over eight days in two stadiums of Manila.
A total of 970 athletes from 19 National Olympic Committees competed in eight sports. The edition was known for introducing pointing system rather than a medal tally system which was criticised and discontinued afterwards.
Once again, Japan topped the medal table with 38 gold, 36 silver and 24 bronze. India ended up at rank 5 with 4 gold medals.
1958 - Japanese Capital of Tokyo Hosts the Third Edition of the Asian Games
The third edition of Asiad took place in the Japanese capital city of Tokyo and was held under the aegis of the Asian Games Federation.
A total of 1,820 athletes representing 20 Asian National Olympic Committees (NOCs) competed in this Asiad. The ceremonial lighting of the Asian Games Torch was introduced as a new tradition in 1958.
Athletics, aquatic (swimming, diving, and water polo), basketball, bicycles (highways and tracks) were among the featured sports’ categories.
The host nation continued its winning streak with 67 medals. India stood at number 7 with a total of 14 medals.
1962 - Jakarta Plays Host to 4th Asian Games; Israel & Taiwan Barred
Jakarta, as first-time hosts played a crucial role in the 1962 Asian Games. The Indonesian Government refused to issue visas to the delegations from Israel and Taiwan on account of pressure from the Arab nations.
Despite the politics playing a role in this edition, the Indonesian President Sukarno opened the game in front of close to 1,400 athletes at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
Japan climbed to the top of the medal tally in 13 featured sports categories, where badminton made its debut. With 12 gold, 13 silver and 27 bronze medals, India gained a better ranking at number 3.
