Asian Games Host Countries: Full List by Year (1951

Ever wondered which countries have hosted the Asian Games, and why Aichi-Nagoya 2026 could be one of the most exciting chapters in Japanese sport since the opening edition in 1951? The Asian Games have unified the nations of Asia through world-class sport, memorable games and shared cultures for over 70 years, from New Delhi to Tokyo, Bangkok to Beijing, Hangzhou to Aichi-Nagoya.

This complete guide covers every Asian Games host country by year, the host city of each Asiad, how many times each nation has staged the Games, and full details on Asian Games 2026 — country, dates, sports, venues and participating nations.

What Are the Asian Games?

The Asian Games (AG) is one of the Asian continent’s largest multi-sport competitions, administered by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). They are normally held every four years and gather athletes from all Asian countries in various sports competitions.

The inaugural Asian Games were held in 1951 in New Delhi, India, with 11 countries participating. The event has since grown in size, in number of sports and athletes, in venues and international coverage. According to the official Aichi-Nagoya history, the Games have been the largest sporting event in Asia, stressing the importance of Asia’s games in the promotion of ‘friendship and understanding ‘.

Asian Games Host Countries

The following is the Asian Games Host Countries list from the 1st Asian Games to the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games. The history is in the order given in the official Aichi-Nagoya 2026 records and verified against the Olympic Council of Asia Games archive.

Year	Edition	Host City / Area	Asian Games Host Countries
1951	1st	New Delhi	India
1954	2nd	Manila	Philippines
1958	3rd	Tokyo	Japan
1962	4th	Jakarta	Indonesia
1966	5th	Bangkok	Thailand
1970	6th	Bangkok	Thailand
1974	7th	Tehran	Iran
1978	8th	Bangkok	Thailand
1982	9th	New Delhi	India
1986	10th	Seoul	South Korea
1990	11th	Beijing	China
1994	12th	Hiroshima	Japan
1998	13th	Bangkok	Thailand
2002	14th	Busan	South Korea
2006	15th	Doha	Qatar
2010	16th	Guangzhou	China
2014	17th	Incheon	South Korea
2018	18th	Jakarta–Palembang	Indonesia
2022*	19th	Hangzhou	China
2026	20th	Aichi–Nagoya	Japan

Asian Games Host Countries by Year

1951 — India | New Delhi

The Asian Games were initiated in 1951 in New Delhi, India.

A new continental sporting tradition was created after World War II, with 11 participating countries in the first edition, including Japan.

1954 — Philippines | Manila

Then, 3 years later, the second edition of the Games was held in Manila, Philippines.

The Manila Games have proven that the Asian Games can successfully be held in another country and that they can further develop sport relations across Asia.

1958 — Japan | Tokyo

The Asian Games were held for the first time in the Japanese capital Tokyo in 1958.

This was the third edition as well as a crucial achievement in Japan’s sports history.

1962 — Indonesia | Jakarta

In 1962, Jakarta, Indonesia hosted the 4th Asian Games.

Jakarta, in turn, hosted again in 2018, but this time it was across two cities: Jakarta and Palembang.

1966 — Thailand | Bangkok

The 1966 Asian Games were held in the Thai city of Bangkok.

This was the first of four editions Bangkok would host, making Thailand the most experienced Asian Games host country.

1970 — Thailand | Bangkok

In 1970 the Games were once again to be played in Bangkok.

Bangkok stepped in after original host Seoul withdrew, making this the first time consecutive editions were held in the same city.

1974 — Iran | Tehran

In 1974, the 7th Asian Games were held in Tehran, Iran — the first edition staged in West Asia.

It was another step towards the extension of the Asian Games to various parts of the continent.

1978 — Thailand | Bangkok

Thailand hosted again in 1978, with the 8th Asian Games taking place in Bangkok — the third time the city staged the event after 1966 and 1970.

1982 — India | New Delhi

In 1982, the Asian Games were held back in New Delhi 31 years after the first Games.

This made India the first country to host the Asian Games twice. Read more about the Asian Games in India.

1986 — South Korea | Seoul

In 1986, the Asian Games were held at Seoul, South Korea.

The 10th Asian Games served as a dress rehearsal for Seoul, which went on to host the Summer Olympic Games two years later in 1988.

1990 — China | Beijing

Chinese Beijing was the host of the 11th Asian Games in 1990.

China has since hosted twice more: Guangzhou staged the 16th Asian Games in 2010, and Hangzhou hosted the 19th edition (branded Hangzhou 2022 but held in 2023).

1994 — Japan | Hiroshima

In 1994, the 12th Asian Games were held in Hiroshima, Japan — the first edition hosted by a non-capital city.

It remains Japan’s most recent Asian Games before Aichi-Nagoya 2026 — a gap of 32 years.

1998 — Thailand | Bangkok

The Asian Games 1998 was the fourth time the event were held in Bangkok.

Thailand remains the only country to have hosted the Asian Games four times (1966, 1970, 1978 and 1998).

2002 — South Korea | Busan

Busan, South Korea hosted the Asian Games 2002.

The second edition in South Korea since 1986 in Seoul.

2006 — Qatar | Doha

To change the host city’s location, the city of Doha in Qatar was chosen as host city in 2006, moving it to West Asia.

The return to the Gulf region was a key milestone in the geographical development of the Asian Games that returned to the region with the Doha edition.

2010 — China | Guangzhou

The 16th Asian Games were held in 2010 in Guangzhou, China — the country’s second time as host.

Guangzhou 2010 was the largest Asian Games to that point, with a record 42 sports on the programme.

2014 — South Korea | Incheon

Incheon, South Korea hosted the 2014 Games.

South Korea thus became one of the countries that have been able to host the Asian Games several times.

2018 — Indonesia | Jakarta–Palembang

In 2018, Asian Games 2018 took place in Indonesia, with the focus in the regions of Jakarta and Palembang.

This was the 2nd Asian Games to be held in the country, after the Games in Jakarta in 1962.

2022 — China | Hangzhou

Hangzhou, China hosted the 19th Asian Games.

Originally scheduled for September 2022, the Games were postponed due to COVID-19 and were finally held from 23 September to 8 October 2023, keeping the Hangzhou 2022 name.

Asian Games 2026 Host Country — Japan

After Hangzhou, Asian Games will be held in Japan again.

The Games – Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City will host the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 which are being held in Japan in 2026. The official host agreement includes the following as the host area: Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City.

Asian Games 2026 details

Information	Details
Official Name	20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026
Host Country	Japan
Host Area	Aichi Prefecture & Nagoya City
Main Host City	Nagoya
Dates	September 19–October 4, 2026
Edition	20th
Sports	43
Competition Venues	53

When Are the Asian Games 2026?

Asian Games 2026 is the 20th edition of the Asian Games and will be held from 19 September to 4 October 2026.

For the Games, that means a 16-day programme of activities, a meeting of athletes and teams for an ample competition programme. The official Aichi-Nagoya organizing committee has authorized the period of 19 September to 04 October.

Asian Games 2026 Participating Countries

Asian Games is a continental event participating National Olympic Committees from countries in Asia.

All 46 National Olympic Committees under the OCA are expected to take part in Aichi-Nagoya 2026. See the full Asian Games 2026 participating countries and venues list.

Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony will be held on 19 September 2026 at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya to inaugurate the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. Check our guides on Asian Games 2026 tickets and how to watch the Games live.

The event is set to help set the stage for the beginning of the Games as it welcomes athletes and delegates and serves as a showcase for Japanese culture, as well as the Games’ Asian character in general.

Asian Games 2026 Closing Ceremony

The Games are to be closed at the end of the Games on 4 October 2026.

For athletes, volunteers, organizers and fans, it will mark the culmination of 16 days of competition and the official handover to the next host, Doha 2030.

Frequently Asked Questions Asian Games Host Countries

Which Country Hosted the First Asian Games?

First Asian Games in 1951 were held in New Delhi, India. The 1st edition had 11 countries participating.

In which country will the Asian Games 2026 be organized?

The Aichi Prefecture will see the 20th Asian Games in Japan with the support of Nagoya City in 2026.

Which City will be the Host City for Asian Games 2026?

Asian Games 2026 will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan on 19th September 2026 through 4th October 2026. Competition will take place across 53 venues.

In which year is the Asian Games 2026?

20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 is taking place on 19th September 2026 – 4th October 2026.

Final Thoughts – Asian Games Host Countries

The history of the Asian Games can be traced through the sport of Asia over the course of over seven decades. It has expanded from New Delhi 1951, when only 11 participating countries took part in it, to a mammoth continental event, comprising of dozens of countries and a variety of sports.

The Asian Games will be held in Japan for the third time, with 53 listed venues of competition and 16 days of competition from 19th September to 4th October 2026, with 43 sports.