Asian Games

The Asian Games, also known as Asiad, are held every four years in the even years between the Olympic Games. These are the largest sporting event world-wide – with 12,000 athletes competing, whereas the IOC has limited the number of athletes at the Olympic Games to 10,000.

The Asian Games are organised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) with headquarters based in Kuwait and are recognised by the International Olympic Committee. The first edition of the Asian Games was in 1950.

In order to participate, all athletes must entered by their National Olympic Committee. There are 46 countries, members of OCA, invited to participate in the Asian Games where 40 sports are showcased (including all Olympic sports).

Equestrian sports first made an appearance at the 9th Asian Games in 1982 held in New Delhi (IND). Equestrian sports were also present at the Asian Games held Seoul, South Korea. However, equestrian sports were not part of the 11th edition in Beijing, but were then reintroduced again in 1994 and have since been part of the Asian Games program.

The Asian Equestrian Federation first came into being in 1978, and was recognised by the FEI as a body which would promote and ensure the growth of equestrian sports in the Asian region. The AEF statutes state that AEF shall provide all guidance and assistance to NF in the (Asian Games) organisation and all conduct of equestrian sports will be according to FEI Rules. Therefore, the Asian Games are subject to FEI rules as far as all for technical aspects are concerned, while the FEI ensures the technical control of all equestrian sports at the Asian Games.

The next edition of the Asian Games will be held in Doha (UAE) from 1-2 December 2006. There are four disciplines included in this latest edition, namely: Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, and for the first time Endurance.

There will be 23 National Federations competing in equestrian disciplines with approximately 240 athletes, 250 horses and 140 officials taking part in what is the largest event world wide.

For a more detailed explanation regarding participation in equestrian sports at the 2006 Asian Games, please refer to the press release dated 30 November on the FEI website entitled 15th Asian Games: Doha (QAT) Preview

Host cities

• 1982 - 9th Asian Games, New Delhi, India Jumping / Eventing
• 1986 - 10th Asian Games, Seoul, South Korea Jumping / Dressage / Eventing
• 1990 - 11th Asian Games, Beijing, China (no Equestrian)
• 1994 - 12th Asian Games, Hiroshima, Japan Jumping / Dressage
• 1998 - 13th Asian Games, Bangkok, Thailand Jumping / Dressage / Eventing
• 2002 - 14th Asian Games, Pusan, South Korea Jumping / Dressage / Eventing
• 2006 - 15th Asian Games, Doha, Qatar Jumping / Dressage / Eventing / Endurance
• 2010 - 16th Asian Games, Guangzhou, China

For more information on the Asian and Doha 2006, please refer to the following websites:
http://www.answers.com/topic/asian-games
http://www.doha-2006.com/
http://www.ocasia.org/

The Individual Dressage podium from the Asian Games held in Doha (QAT) from 1 ? 15 December 2006. In first place Jun Sang Choi (KOR), silver went to Yukiko NOGE (JPN), and bronze to Mohd Qabil Mahamad Fathil (MAS)