After the ASIAD in 1982, New Delhi is once again prepared for hosting a sporting event of that magnitude - the 8th Asian Track & Field Meet, 1989. Institute in 1973, over the last decade these championships have snowballed into one of the biggest gatherings in the continent outside of the Asian Games. The Asian Track & Field Championships are held every two years and seven of these have been conducted across the continent strting from Manila, Phillipines in 1973, to the last one in 1987 at Singapore. The meet was not held in 1977. In the inaugural championships, only about a dozen countries participated.

The number swelled to over 25 in the 5th meet at Kuwait in 1983. The present meet at New Delh will witness more than 700 athletes from over 35 countries. The organisers of the meet have selected the butterfly,nicknamed 'Bharati', as the official mascot. Set amidst the 'tracks of friendship' , it symbolises strength and fortitude and disciplined exhibition and grace. The 8th Asian Track & Field Meet '89, also marks the culmination of the Nehru Centenary celebrations.

In October 1989, athletes carrying torches traversed the length and breadth of the conuntry to reach and light the ceremonial flame of the Asian track & Field Meet, 1989, at New Delhi on November 14, the day of Jawaharlal Nehru's Birth Centenary, markin a fitting finale to the year long centenary celebrations. Aptly named the 'Jawahar Jyot', the torch relay embodies the spirit of national integration.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India