Which Country Hosted the First Asian Games?

Last Updated: Oct 1, 2026, 10:13 IST

Which country hosted the first Asian Games? Know when and where the first Asian Games were held, participating countries, sports, mascot and important facts.

Which Country Hosted the First Asian Games?
Which Country Hosted the First Asian Games?

The Asian Games are one of the major multi sport events in Asia which brings together athletes from different countries to compete in various sports. The event is held every four years. But do you know which country hosted the first Asian Games? Keep reading to know in detail.

Which Country Hosted the First Asian Games?

India hosted the first Asian Games in 1951. The inaugural Asian Games were first held in New Delhi from March 4 to March 11, 1951. Keep reading to know in detail.

Where Were the First Asian Games Held?

The first Asian Games were held in New Delhi, India. Most of the competitions took place at the National Stadium which was known as the Irwin Amphitheatre before India’s Independence and was later renamed the National Stadium.

How Many Countries Participated in the First Asian Games?

A total of 11 countries participated in the first Asian Games. The participating countries were Afghanistan, Burma now Myanmar, Ceylon now Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Nepal, Philippines; Singapore and Thailand. Around 489 athletes took part in the inaugural event.

Which Sports Were Included in the First Asian Games?

The first Asian Games featured six sports. These were:

Sport Included in 1951
Athletics Yes
Aquatics Yes
Basketball Yes
Cycling Yes
Football Yes
Weightlifting Yes

Who Organised the First Asian Games?

The first Asian Games were organised under the Asian Games Federation. The Asian Games Federation later became the Olympic Council of Asia.

Who Was the First Asian Games Champion?

Japan finished at the top of the medal table at the first Asian Games. India finished second overall. The medal table was led by:

Position Country
1 Japan
2 India
3 Iran

Who Was the First Indian Gold Medallist at the Asian Games?

Indian athletes won gold medals at the first Asian Games in 1951. Sachin Nag won India’s first individual gold medal in swimming. He won the men’s 100 metre freestyle event.

How Many Times Has India Hosted the Asian Games?

India has hosted the Asian Games twice. The first was in 1951 in New Delhi. The second time was in 1982 in New Delhi.

First Asian Games

Question Answer
First Asian Games held in 1951
Host country India
Host city New Delhi
Dates March 4–11, 1951
Participating countries 11
Athletes About 489
Sports 6
Main venue National Stadium, New Delhi
Most successful country Japan
India’s position in medal table Second
First Indian city to host Asian Games New Delhi

Jasreet Kaur
Jasreet Kaur

Executive - Editorial

Jasreet Kaur is a journalist with over 3 years of experience in digital media and news content creation. She specializes in covering Trending News, including major National and International developments, with a focus on delivering accurate, engaging, and reader-friendly stories. Prior to this, she worked with Zee News as a Content Writer, where she gained extensive experience in news reporting and content strategy. Driven by curiosity, credibility, and a passion for impactful journalism, Jasreet aims to contribute to informed public discourse while supporting positive growth in organizations, society, and the world.

... Read More
First Published: Oct 1, 2026, 10:13 IST

Get here current GK and GK quiz questions in English and Hindi for India, World, Sports and Competitive exam preparation. Download the Jagran Josh Current Affairs App.

Trending

Latest Education News