History of the Asian Games ahead of the 15th edition which starts in Doha on Friday:

DELHI 1951

Some 500 athletes from 11 countries participated in the first Asian Games, taking part in just six sports.

Top three nations with their medals tally:

Gold Silver Bronze Total

Japan 24 20 14 58

India 15 18 19 51

Iran 8 5 2 15

MANILA 1954

Eight additional countries took part, bringing the tally to 19 with 970 athletes. Although cycling was dropped, there were eight sports with the addition of boxing, shooting and wrestling. South Korea competed for the first time.

Top three nations:

Gold Silver Bronze Total

Japan 38 36 24 98

Philippines 14 14 17 45

South Korea 8 6 5 19

TOKYO 1958

Tennis, volleyball, table tennis, cycling and hockey increased the tally of sports to 13, with 1,422 athletes competing. For the first time, a torch relay was held.

Top three nations:

Gold Silver Bronze Total

Japan 67 42 30 139

Philippines 9 19 21 49

South Korea 8 7 10 25

JAKARTA 1962

For political reasons, the number of participating countries fell to 16 with the expulsion of Israel and Taiwan from the Games. A total of 1,460 athletes competed in 15 sports.

Top three nations:

Gold Silver Bronze Total

Japan 73 65 23 152

India 10 13 10 33

Indonesia 9 12 27 48

BANGKOK 1966

Israel and Taiwan returned to the Games, where women's volleyball made its debut. Some 2,500 athletes from 18 countries participated in 14 sports. Thailand entered the top three of the medals table for the first time and India beat Pakistan by a single goal to take the hockey gold.

Top three nations:

Gold Silver Bronze Total

Japan 78 53 33 164

South Korea 12 18 21 51

Thailand 12 14 11 37

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