What is Asian Games? Definition of Asian Games, Asian Games Meaning – The Economic Times

Definition: The Asian Games is a multi-disciplinary sports event held once in every four years. Athletes from all Asian countries are welcomed to participate in this event. The Asian Games is recognised by the International Olympic Committee and is the second largest multi-sport event after the Olympics.

Description: Before the Asian Games, the Far Eastern Championship Games were held. After the Second World War, many Asian countries gained independence and Guru Dutt Sondhi, a member of the Indian International Olympic Committee, proposed the idea of Asian Games as a sporting event, where all Asian nations can be represented. The first-ever Asian Games were held in New Delhi in 1951. Asian Games were regulated by the Asian Games Federation from 1951 to 1978. Since 1982, Olympic Council of Asia now regulates the Asian Games. The symbol for Asian Games is rising sun with interlocking rings. Nine nations haves hosted the Asian Games so far and 46 nations have participated in the games. Israel has not taken part in Asian Games since 1974. 44 sports have been included in the Asian Games history. India is a founder member of Asian Games and also the host of the first Asian Games. 1982 Asian Games were also held in New Delhi. India is one of the seven countries to have participated in all the editions of the Asian Games. India along with Japan is the only country to have won at-least one gold medal in every event of Asian Games. India has always ranked in the top 10 in the medals tally in Asian Games, except in the 1990 games.