Asian Games 2023

Every four years, athletes from different countries in Asia gather to compete in sports at an event called the Asian Games, or Asiad. It started in 1951 in New Delhi, India. Until 1978, it was overseen by the Asian Games Federation (AGF). Later, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) took over in 1982. Today, the Asian Games is the second biggest sports event after the Olympics.

So far, nine countries have hosted the Asian Games, including India, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Iran, South Korea, China, and Qatar. Japan has won the most medals (60), followed by India with 51 medals.

The next Asian Games will happen in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8, 2023. Many Indian athletes like PV Sindhu (badminton), R. Praggnanandhaa (chess), Avinash Sable (steeplechase), and Murali Sreeshankar (long jump) will take part. India will send a team of 655 athletes, led by Neeraj Chopra. They will compete in 41 out of 61 sports. For the first time, men’s and women’s cricket teams from India will also participate.