Asian Games Asian Games, with motto "Ever Onward" are the sports festival for thre billion Asians forensuring cooperation and fraternity in sports. Conducted underthe banner of Asian Games Foundation, the gamesare held every four years to bring youth of this continent togather with the message "Friendship,Fraternity Forever". India had the proud privilege of lighting the first Asian Games torch in 1951 when 489 athletesfrom Afghanistanm Burma, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Nepal, Philipines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand competed in Athletics, Acqutics, Basketball and weight lifting in the eight dayextravaganza held in March 1951.The honour of hosting the Asian Games was once again given to India when the 9th Asian Games were held in New Delhi in November 1982 under the aegis of the then founded Olympic Council of Asian Games which has now become the permanent organisation to ensure continuous development of the Asian Games. While about 500 athletes from 11 countries had competed in six disciplines during the first Asian Games the number rose to 4595 athletes from 33 countries in 21 sports events in the 9th Asian Games at New Delhi.

The Asian Games Movement has indeed come a long way during the last four decades and the 11th Asian Games are now being held in The Peoples Republic of China. India's participation in the Asian Gamessince its inception has provided a vital support to the olympic movement. India may not have won the greatest number of medals but its participation in the true Olympic spirit has ben a matter of appreciation. A 400 plus contingent from India participatedin the 10th Asian Games held at Seoul, Where a commendable performance was put up.

In the present Asian Games India is participating in 17 sports desciplines. Vigorous preparations for these games have been made by Indian team members during the last two years and National Camps have been held at various regional centres of the Sports Authority of India. The field in the Beijing Asian Games is decidedly tougher than the previous games. Despite the increased challenge, Indian teams are determined to do well and hope to come back with a distinguished performance.

To mark the occasion of Asian Games, the Department of Posts have issued stamps on the 1st Asian Games in 1951 and again on the 9th Asian Games. Now on the occasion of the XIth Asian Games, the Department of Posts is issuing a set of four special stamps, depicting Athletics, Cycling, Archery and Kabbadi, the last sport has been included for the first time in Asian Games.

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