What are Asian Games?

Asian Games also called Asiad are the most celebrated and second largest multi-Sports event after Olympic Games. It is recognised by the International Olympic Committee and is held once in every four years. Before the Asian Games came into being, the Far Eastern Championship Games were held and it was only after WWII when many Asian nations got independence Guru Dutt Sondhi who was the member of International Olympic Committee gave the idea of Asian games which can have the representation of all Asian nations. First Asian Games were held in New Delhi in 1951 and were regulated by Asian Games Federation till 1978. It was from 1982, Olympic Council of Asia regulated them.

Fact-file:

• The Games have been hosted by 9 nations so far.
• 46 nations have taken part in the games.
• There are 44 sports which are included in the Asian Games history.
• India is the founder member of this Pan-continental Sports extravaganza and also hosted the first Asian Games.
• India and Japan are the only nations to have bagged a Gold medal in every event of the Games. India has always been among the top 10 of the medal tally except for 1990 games.