When was the first Asian Athletics Championships held?

The inaugural Asian Athletics Championships were held in 1973 in Marikina, Philippines. At this first championship, India performed impressively, securing 16 medals in total: 4 gold, 6 silver, and 6 bronze. India has subsequently hosted the Asian Athletics Championships three times: first in New Delhi (1989), then in Pune (2013), and most recently in Bhubaneswar (2017). The championships have become an important continental competition showcasing athletic talent from across Asia.