The 1954 Asian Games in Manila were the second edition of the multi-sport event, introducing an experimental points system that was abandoned after proving redundant.
Key Facts
- Dates
- May 1–9, 1954
- Participating NOCs
- 19
- Athletes
- 970
- Sports contested
- 8
- Total events
- 76
- Closing ceremony attendance
- ~9,000 spectators
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the inaugural Asian Games held in New Delhi in 1951, the Olympic Council of Asia sought to continue the regional multi-sport tradition. Manila was selected to host the second edition, with the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation under Jorge B. Vargas taking charge of organizing the event.
From May 1 to 9, 1954, 970 athletes representing 19 Asian NOCs competed across 76 events in eight sports at Manila, Philippines. The games introduced an experimental points-based ranking system in place of a traditional medal tally, intended to more accurately reflect national athletic performance.
The points system was shown to produce identical national rankings to a standard medal tally and was never used again in subsequent Asian Games. The Philippines finished second overall, though attendance at the closing ceremony at Rizal Memorial Stadium was modest at around 9,000 spectators.
Result
at Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila