The 45 Countries Participating in the Asian Games

The Asian Games is a multi-sport event held every four years, featuring athletes from countries across Asia. The 18th edition of the Asian Games took place in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia in 2018. A total of 45 countries participated in these games, showcasing their talent and competitiveness in various sports disciplines.

East Asia

1. China: One of the powerhouses in Asian sports, China has been a dominant force in the Asian Games. With a large contingent, they excel in several sports, including table tennis, badminton, diving, and gymnastics.

2. Japan: Known for their discipline and dedication, Japanese athletes have been consistently performing exceptionally well in various sports disciplines, especially in Judo, swimming, and athletics.

3. South Korea: A strong sporting nation, South Korean athletes are renowned for their skills in sports such as archery, taekwondo, and shooting.

4. North Korea: Despite its smaller contingent, North Korea has a history of producing talented athletes, particularly in weightlifting and wrestling.

Southeast Asia

5. Indonesia: As the host country of the 2018 Asian Games, Indonesia fielded a strong team across different sports to showcase their talent on home soil.

6. Malaysia: Known for their prowess in badminton, Malaysian athletes have also been successful in sports like squash and diving.

7. Thailand: Thai athletes excel in sports like Muay Thai, weightlifting, and sepak takraw, a traditional Southeast Asian sport.

8. Philippines: Filipino athletes have shown their skills in various combat sports like boxing and martial arts.

9. Vietnam: Known for their dominance in sports such as shooting, taekwondo, and weightlifting, Vietnamese athletes have made significant contributions to the Asian Games.

10. Singapore: A small yet competitive nation, Singapore has had success in swimming, sailing, and table tennis.

South Asia

11. India: With a large and diverse sporting culture, Indian athletes have excelled in sports like field hockey, wrestling, shooting, and badminton.

12. Pakistan: Pakistani athletes have made their mark in sports like squash, cricket, and field hockey.

13. Sri Lanka: Known for their achievements in cricket, Sri Lankan athletes also participate in sports like athletics and boxing.

Central Asia

14. Kazakhstan: With a rich sporting heritage, Kazakh athletes have produced remarkable performances in boxing, weightlifting, wrestling, and cycling.

15. Uzbekistan: Known for their success in boxing, wrestling, and gymnastics, Uzbek athletes have been consistent performers in the Asian Games.

West Asia

16. Iran: Iranian athletes excel in sports such as wrestling, weightlifting, and taekwondo.

17. Iraq: Despite challenges, Iraq participates in sports like football, athletics, and boxing.

18. United Arab Emirates: Athletes from the UAE have displayed their skills in sports like football, shooting, and athletics.

West Pacific

19. Australia: While geographically located in the Pacific region, Australia is a member of the Olympic Council of Asia, allowing them to participate in the Asian Games. Australian athletes are successful in swimming, cycling, and athletics.

20. New Zealand: Similar to Australia, New Zealand competes in the Asian Games due to its affiliation with the Olympic Council of Asia. Their athletes often excel in sports like sailing, rowing, and rugby.

Central Pacific

21. Fiji: Known for their success in rugby sevens, Fijian athletes participate in several sports disciplines at the Asian Games.

22. Guam: Despite being a small territory, Guamanian athletes regularly participate in events like athletics and swimming.

South Pacific

23. Samoa: Samoan athletes participate in various sports such as weightlifting and rugby at the Asian Games.

24. Tonga: Tongan athletes focus primarily on sports like weightlifting and rugby sevens in these games.

Other Participating Countries

25. Afghanistan

26. Bahrain

27. Bangladesh

28. Bhutan

29. Brunei

30. Cambodia

31. Hong Kong, China

32. Jordan

33. Kuwait

34. Kyrgyzstan

35. Laos

36. Lebanon

37. Macau, China

38. Maldives

39. Mongolia

40. Myanmar

41. Nepal

42. Oman

43. Palestine

44. Qatar

45. Syria

These 45 countries bring their best athletes and sportsmanship to the Asian Games, creating a platform for unity, healthy competition, and celebration of sporting excellence.