Special Sub-Topic: The Asian Games Click Here To Play: The Asian Games

The Asian Games, a sports competition for athletes from all across Asia, were first held in what year?

1951. The Asian Games, also known as Asiad, were initially organized by Indian professor Guru Dutt Sondhi. It had been a vision of his to hold such games for a number of years, and this came to be a reality when the first games were held in 1951. Only 11 countries participated in first games, but the number has grown to as many as 46 competing countries.

The Asian Games have been hosted by many countries in Asia. Where were the first games held?

New Delhi, India. The Asian Games have been hosted by numerous countries. Thailand has hosted the games more than any other nation, having hosted the games four times. Other countries that have hosted the games include: Korea, Indonesia, Iran, India, China, the Philippines, Japan, and Qatar.

The Asian Games are under the authority of which governing body?

Olympic Council of Asia. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), under the supervision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is responsible for the games. As with the Olympic Games, gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded in each event for first, second and third place respectively. Flags and national anthems of the various countries are also part of the ceremonies of the games.

How often are the Asian Games held?

Every four years. In addition to the Asian Games, other sports competitions have developed for participants from Asian countries. These include the Asian Winter Games, Asian Beach Games, and Asian Indoor Games. These events are not all held the same year.

One country dominated the Asian Games the first eight times they were held, leading in the medal count. Which country was this?

Japan. Other countries that have finished in the top three include: The Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Iran, India, and China.

Of the many sports in the Asian Games, which of the following has not been part of the competition since the inception of the Games?

Boxing. The number of competitions in Asiad has steadily grown from 57 the first year they were held to 424 in 2006. Boxing was included in the competition, but at the second Asian Games, and has been a part of the competition since that time.

Following the break-up of the Soviet Union, several former Soviet Republics began to take part in the Asian Games, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. In 1996, which nation outside of Asia was officially denied entry to the games?

Australia. Australia requested permission to participate in Asiad, but was denied entrance. It was felt that their participation would not be fair to the other countries in Oceania, which would not be included.

The Asian Games have not been without controversy. Which Asian nation has been officially excluded from the Olympic Council of Asia, and therefore unable to participate in Asiad?

Israel. It was first in 1962 when Israel's presence in the games became controversial. Then again in 1973, Arab nations were protesting the inclusion of Israel in the games. Eventually Israel was excluded and encouraged to participate in European athletic events. Taiwan (Republic of China) has also been the focus of controversy, but that was eventually dealt with as in the Olympic Games. Taiwan competes as Chinese Taipei.

The first Asian Winter Games were held in 1986 in which Japanese city?

Sapporo. Japan's representatives suggested the idea of the Asian Winter Games, and were given the opportunity to host the first Winter Games in 1986. Only seven countries participated in these games, but they have grown over the years with 45 nations participating in 2007.

What is the motto of the Asian Games?

Ever Onward. The Asian Games were developed, in part, as a way for the countries of Asia to come together in an event that would lead to greater understanding among the nations, and one that would not focus on dominance by violent means. This theme focuses on the future and continued development of the region through peaceful means.