The first official Athletics competitions took place at the ancient Olympic Games, and the sport developed through public fairs and festivals around the world. The concept of “amateur athletics,” developed in the 19th century AD. Athletics was incorporated into the Asian Games in 1951 and is a compulsory sport.
1962 – The Asian Track and Field Championships were originally planned at the 1962 Asian Games through the initiative of Major General Aziz Salleh the Chief of the Indonesian Federation (PASI).
1970 – The idea to hold the Championships was revived by the Malaysian A.A.U. President, Tan Sri Mohamed Ghazali Shafie, at the 1966 Asian Games at Bangkok.
1970 – Sardar Umrao Singh, the Punjab State Sports Minister, took up the Challenge and plans for the First Asian Championships at Delhi, when political developments in the sub-Continent thrust the plans not only out of gear but out of sight for another two years.
1972 – Governor Jose C. Sering, President of the Philippines Track and Field Association (PATAFA) took up the challenge and history was made when the First Asian Track and Field Championships got off the launching pad and was held at the Marikina Stadium near Manila in November 1973.
this year marks the official 50th anniversary. Athletics’ top events will be held in Bangkok, one of the world’s most impressive cities. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness the Asian Athletics Champships 2023