The Asian Games, officially known as Asiad,^{[clarification needed]} is a multi-sport event held every four years among athletes from all over Asia. The Games were regulated by the Asian Games Federation (AGF) from the first Games in New Delhi, India, until the 1978 Games. Since the 1982 Games they have been organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), after the breakup of the Asian Games Federation. The Games are recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and are described as the second largest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games.

In its history, nine nations have hosted the Asian Games. 46 nations have participated in the Games, including Israel, which was excluded from the Games after their last participation in 1974.

The last Asian Games was held at Guangzhou, People's Republic of China last 12 November – 27 November 2010. The next Games will be held at Incheon, South Korea.

Before the Asian Games were held, there was a gathering known as the Far Eastern Games which was first mooted in 1912 between Empire of Japan, the Philippine Islands and China. The first Games were then held in Manila in 1913 and ten further gatherings were held until 1934. However, against the backdrop of the second Sino-Japanese War in 1934, in the face of Japan's insistence on including Manchu Empire as competitor nation in the Games, China announced its withdrawal from participation. The Games scheduled for 1938 were cancelled and the organization was discontinued thereafter.

The 2014 Asian Games, officially known as the XVII Asiad, is the largest sporting event in Asia governed by Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). It is scheduled to take place in Incheon, South Korea from September 19–October 4, 2014, with 437 events in 36 sports and disciplines set to feature in the Games.

Incheon was awarded the right on April 17, 2007, defeated Delhi, India to host the Games. Incheon is the third city in South Korea after Seoul (1986) and Busan (2002) to host the Asian Games.

Two cities were bidding for the Games, as Delhi (India) and Incheon (South Korea) made a formal bid on December 2, 2006 in Doha, Qatar.

The vote was held on April 17, 2007 at the Marriot Hotel in Kuwait City, Kuwait, during the OCA's general assembly. Final presentation prior to the votes, Incheon make a new offer, raise USD$20 million funds to support the countries who yet won a medal in the Games, as well as offer free flight and accommodation to all the participants, while India has offered nothing. All 45 members voted, with voting held in secret ballot. Around 4 p.m. local time, it was announced that Incheon won the rights, although the vote results were not released, it was revealed Incheon won by 32–13.