India @ Asiad since 1951

Here’s how India had been a powerhouse at the quadrennial event since its inception

Since the inception of Asian Games in 1951, India had been a powerhouse at the event. It has not just participated in all editions of the quadrennial event but has also played a key role in its establishment. It has even hosted the inaugural edition in New Delhi.

In 1951, India won 51 medals – 15 gold, 16 silver and 20 bronze – at the Asian Games 1951 to finish second. Japan with 60 medals ruled the Asiad that year. It was India’s best finish at the continental Games.

Swimmer Sachin Nag, who bagged gold in the 100m freestyle event at New Delhi 1951, became India’s first gold medallist at the Asian Games. In the same year, Roshan Mistry became the first Indian woman to win an Asian Games medal as she took silver in the 100m sprint at the Asian Games.

Since then, India have won 779 medals at the Asian Games, including 183 golds, 239 silvers and 357 bronze. Having managed to clinch gold at every edition of Asian Games, India is the fifth-most successful country at the games.