The Asian Games, which take place every four years, are held for the purpose of developing intercultural knowledge and friendship within Asia. In this multi-sport event, young people from all over Asia gather together to compete. It is an occasion when strength and sports skills are tested; friendship and solidarity are built and promoted.

During their five-decade history, the Asian Games have been advancing in all aspects. The number of participants has been increasing. The quality of athletes, officials and sports facilities has also been developing through time. New sports and traditional sports have been introduced and added to the Games. The 1^st Asian Games were held in New Delhi, India in 1951. Only 489 athletes from 11 nations took part in the Games. The six sports events at the first Games were basketball, cycling, football, aquatic sports, athletics and weightlifting. Boxing, shooting and wrestling were added at the 2^nd Asian Games in Manila, the Philippines in 1954; and tennis, volleyball, table tennis and hockey were added at the 3^rd Asian Games in Tokyo, Japan in 1958. Squash, rugby, fencing and mountain biking were introduced for the first time at the 13^th Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand in 1998.

The 14^th Asian Games, which were held in Busan, Korea in 2002, attracted 9,919 participants from 44 countries. The athletes competed in 38 different sports and won 427 gold medals. The Vietnamese participants took part in this event with great enthusiasm. Their efforts were much appreciated when they won 2 gold medals in bodybuilding and billiards, and 2 others in women’s karatedo. It is hoped that in the near future, Vietnam will become a host country and receive more medals in a variety of sports events.