Asian Games Countries

Asian Games History

After the independence of several countries post World War II, there was a common interest to form some kind of a competition which involves the Asian countries.

On 13 February 1949, Asian Games Federation was formed and was inaugurated in Delhi, India. Delhi was also announced the host of the first Asian Games in the year 1951.

Countries Participating in Asian Games

Only seven countries namely, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Thailand have participated in all the Asian Games.

The first Asian Games had a total of 11 countries participating in it. However since the 2010 Asian Games there are a total of 45 to 46 countries participating in the event from the below list:

Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Chinese Taipei, East Timor, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Macau, Malaysia(North Borneo, Sarawak), Maldives, Mongolia Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Yemen.

Although major parts of Russia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Cyprus and Armenia are in Asia, they take part in the European Games. Taiwan participates in the Asian Games under the name Chinese Taipei.

Countries like Australia were rejected participation in Asian Games in the past. However, with their recent participation in the Winter Games the request has reemerged about the great value which Australia will add to the event. It is in discussions that Australia and New Zealand will be a part of the 2022 and 2026 Asian Games.