The Athletic Journey of India at the Asian Games over the years

Asian Games

The Asian Games, a multi-sport competition for athletes from all over Asia, are held every four years, and India has a distinguished athletic history there. Here is a summary of India’s athletic results from the Asian Games.

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Early Years (1951–1962)

In 1951, in New Delhi, India took part in its first Asian Games. India had some early success in sporting competitions, taking home a few medals. During this time, the legendary sprinter Milkha Singh rose to fame and excelled, winning numerous medals.

Golden Period (1970s–1980s)

During this time, India’s athletic prowess significantly improved. During this time, a number of Indian athletes rose to prominence and won multiple medals. During this time, some of the most well-known athletes included Charles Borromeo, Gurbachan Singh Randhawa, and Sriram Singh.


Particularly P.T. Usha, who is frequently referred to as the “Payyoli Express,” rose to national prominence. In the sprint and hurdle events, she took home numerous medals.

1990s–2000s

India’s athletic performance fluctuated during the 1990s and 2000s. While there were times of success, there were other times when the number of medals won was rather low. During this time, India’s athletes like Anju Bobby George (long jump) and Anil Kumar (discus throw) won home medals.

Recent Years (2010s–2018)

Indian sportsmen displayed some promising athletic feats in the 2010s. Neeraj Chopra, who took first place in the javelin throw event at the 2018 Asian Games, was a standout. This triumph significantly increased interest in the sport in India and signaled a rise in funding for athletics.

Overall, India’s athletic performance at the Asian Games has experienced both highs and lows, with times of outstanding success and times of modest accomplishments. Numerous gifted athletes who have left their imprint on the Asian scene and elevated the nation’s pride were born in this nation. We anticipate the 2023 Asian Games to be one of the best ever tournaments for the Indian athletic contingent.