Initially slated for May of the present year, the Asian Games 2023 have been rescheduled to span from September 23 to October 8, 2023, in response to the rapid spread of COVID-19 in and around the host city of Hangzhou, China.
With a cadence of once every four years, athletes from across Asia dedicate themselves to rigorous preparations for this prestigious event. Renowned as the Asiad, the Asian Games used to be the primary sporting event in New Delhi, India, until 1978, when management transitioned to the Asian Games Organisation.
After the disbandment of the Asian Games Federation in 1982, the mantle of organising these games fell to the Asian Olympic Council, garnering recognition from the International Olympic Committee. This year marks the 19th edition of the Asian Games, with China serving as the host nation for the third time, having previously held the event in Beijing in 1990 and in Guangzhou in 2010.
Hosting duties for the Asian Games have been fulfilled by nine countries to date. A total of 46 nations have participated in these games, though Israel was barred following its last appearance in 1974. The previous iteration of the Asian Games occurred from August 18 to September 2, 2018, jointly hosted by Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia.
Asian Games 2023 Schedule and Structure:
Set to unfold in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, in collaboration with five co-host cities, the Asian Games will grace the calendar from September 23 to October 8. This multi-sport spectacle will encompass an impressive array of 61 disciplines spanning 40 sports. The roster includes numerous Olympic staples such as swimming, archery, athletics, badminton, equestrian events, fencing, football, hockey, judo, and kabaddi.
Breaking new ground, e-sports and breakdancing will make their debut as fully-fledged medal sports at the Asian Games 2023, having secured approval from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). Adding to the excitement, cricket, in the T20 format, will mark its return after a hiatus of 9 years.
India is set to field both men’s and women’s cricket teams in the Hangzhou edition. For the men’s team, Ruturaj Gaikwad will be in charge, and for the women’s team, Harmanpreet Kaur.
Asian Games 2023 Broadcast Details:
Media rights for the 2022 Asian Games, taking place in September 2023, have been exclusively secured by Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN). Sony’s sports networks, spanning India and the subcontinent, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bhutan, and the Maldives, will be the exclusive broadcasters of the 19th Asian Games. SPN will not only have the rights to broadcast the event but also to produce clips and highlights throughout the duration of the event. Furthermore, the event will be live-streamed on SonyLIV, the premium OTT platform operated by the company.
Asian Games 2023 Venues:
A total of 44 venues are earmarked for hosting the Games, encompassing 30 established sites and 14 newly constructed ones. While the focal point will be Hangzhou and its environs, various events are also scheduled to unfold in Deqing, Jinhua, Ningbo, Shaoxing, and Wenzhou. The preparation for the event includes the construction of a new high-speed train link connecting Hangzhou and Huzhou.
The staging of the Asian Games necessitates not only accommodating a substantial number of participants but also providing sufficient infrastructure and amenities across a diverse range of sporting venues. The venues are meticulously furnished and equipped to meet the demands of hosting the event successfully.
Reason for the Five-Year Gap:
Originally slated for September 2022, the 19th Asian Games encountered a postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a global pause in various domains, including sports. This unprecedented disruption caused a cascading effect on the timelines for qualification, procedures, and venues, necessitating the shift.
Efforts were made to reschedule the Games for May 2023, but a surge in COVID-19 cases in the host city of Hangzhou compelled another delay. Consequently, the Games were deferred once more, culminating in the upcoming staging of the Asiad in September and October of the current year.
Asian Games 2023: Frequently Asked Questions
1. When and where will the Asian Games 2023 take place?
The Asian Games 2023 were originally planned for May but have been rescheduled to occur from September 23 to October 8, 2023. The event will be held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, along with five co-host cities.
2. Why were the Asian Games 2023 postponed?
The games were postponed due to the rapid spread of the pandemic in and around the host city of Hangzhou, China.
3. How often are the Asian Games held?
The Asian Games are held every four years, bringing together athletes from various Asian countries to compete.
4. What is the history of the Asian Games?
The Asian Games, also known as the Asiad, used to be the main sporting event in New Delhi, India, until 1978. They were subsequently organized by the Asian Games Organization after the dissolution of the Asian Games Federation in 1982.
5. How many times has China hosted the Asian Games?
The 2023 Asian Games mark the third time China has hosted the event. Previous editions were held in Beijing in 1990 and in Guangzhou in 2010.
6. Which sports will be featured in the Asian Games 2023?
The Asian Games 2023 will feature 61 disciplines across 40 sports, including well-known Olympic activities like swimming, archery, athletics, badminton, fencing, football, judo, and more.
7. Are there any new additions to the sports lineup?
Yes, e-sports and breakdancing will make their debut as full-medal sports in the 2023 Asian Games. Additionally, cricket will return in the T20 format after a nine-year absence.
8. Which countries will be participating in cricket at the Asian Games in 2023?
India will be sending both men’s and women’s cricket teams to participate in the Asian Games in 2023. Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead the men’s squad, while Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the women’s squad.
9. Where can I watch the Asian Games 2023?
The media rights for the 2023 Asian Games have been granted to Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN). The event will be exclusively broadcast on Sony’s sports networks across India and the subcontinent. It will also be available for streaming on SonyLIV, the company’s premium OTT platform.
10. Why is there a five-year gap between the Asian Games editions?
The 19th Asian Games, originally scheduled for September 2022, experienced multiple postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The global disruption caused delays in qualifiers, procedures, and venues, ultimately leading to the rescheduled dates of September and October 2023.
